residue

noun

res·​i·​due ˈre-zə-ˌdü 

-ˌdyü

: something that remains after a part is taken, separated, or designated or after the completion of a process : remnant, remainder: such as

a

: the part of a testator's estate remaining after the satisfaction of all debts, charges, allowances, and previous devises and bequests

b

: the remainder after subtracting a multiple of a modulus from an integer or a power of the integer that can appear as the second of the two terms in an appropriate congruence

2 and 7 are residues of 12 modulo 5

c

: a constituent structural unit (such as a group or monomer) of a usually complex molecule

amino acid residues from hydrolysis of protein

Synonyms

• ashes
• debris
• detritus
• flotsam
• remains
• rubble
• ruins
• wreck
• wreckage

Examples of residue in a Sentence

The grill was covered in a greasy residue from the hamburgers.

The divorce left a residue of pain in the family.

There was some kind of sticky residue on the floor.

She left the residue of her estate to her daughter.

Recent Examples on the Web

If there is any residue or stuck-on hairpspray on the straightener, these will transfer to the clothing item and pose a larger problem than the wrinkles. —Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2025

The repercussions opened the door for a cyclone of experiences that left more residue of trauma in her life in its aftermath. —Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 19 Mar. 2025

Char is the solid residue left at the end of the pyrolysis process. —Alexander Kaplitz, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2025

Your brushes will be as good as new after gently rubbing off makeup residue on a tissue. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin residuum, from neuter of residuus left over, from residēre to remain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing residue

• residue class

Rhymes for residue

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

residue

noun

res·​i·​due ˈrez-ə-ˌd(y)ü 

: whatever remains after a part is taken, set apart, or lost or after the completion of a process

Medical Definition

residue

noun

res·​i·​due ˈrez-ə-ˌd(y)ü 

: something that remains after a part is taken, separated, or designated

specifically : a constituent structural unit (as a group or monomer) of a usually complex molecule

amino acid residues in a protein

Legal Definition

residue

noun

res·​i·​due ˈre-zə-ˌdü, -ˌdyü 

: something that remains after a part is taken, separated, or designated

specifically : the part of a testator's estate remaining after the satisfaction of all debts, charges, taxes, and legacies other than residuary legacies