residual

1 of 2

noun

re·​sid·​u·​al ri-ˈzi-jə-wəl How to pronounce residual (audio)
-jəl;
-ˈzij-wəl
1
: remainder, residuum: such as
a
: the difference between results obtained by observation and by computation from a formula or between the mean of several observations and any one of them
b
: a residual product or substance
c
: an internal aftereffect of experience or activity that influences later behavior
especially : a disability remaining from a disease or operation
2
: a payment (as to an actor or writer) for each rerun after an initial showing (as of a TV show)

residual

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or constituting a residue
2
: leaving a residue that remains effective for some time
a residual pesticide
residually adverb

Examples of residual in a Sentence

Adjective She's still dealing with the residual effects of the accident.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
More than 50% of British directors say their residuals have fallen over the past five years, according to a new survey from Directors UK (DUK). Max Goldbart, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2025 The union, known for doing exhaustive research prior to negotiations and taking a less confrontational approach with the studios, was instead focused on foreign residuals as an area of growth. Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Meteorologists predict that conditions will improve as the storm moves out into the Atlantic, but residual snowfall and ice could continue to create dangerous conditions. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025 Existing research suggests that the residual cognitive effects of cannabis may linger for two weeks after someone stops using it. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for residual 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin residuum residue

First Known Use

Noun

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of residual was in 1557

Dictionary Entries Near residual

Cite this Entry

“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/residual. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

residual

1 of 2 adjective
re·​sid·​u·​al ri-ˈzij-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce residual (audio)
-ˈzij-əl
1
: of, relating to, or being a residue
2
: leaving a residue that is effective for some time afterward
residually
adverb

residual

2 of 2 noun
: a residual product, substance, or result

Medical Definition

residual

1 of 2 adjective
re·​sid·​u·​al ri-ˈzij-(ə-)wəl, -ˈzij-əl How to pronounce residual (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being something that remains: as
a
: remaining after a disease or operation
residual paralysis
b
: remaining in a body cavity after maximum normal expulsion has occurred
residual urine
see residual volume
2
a
: leaving a residue that remains effective for some time after application
residual insecticides
b
: of or relating to a residual insecticide
a residual spray

residual

2 of 2 noun
1
: an internal aftereffect of experience or activity that influences later behavior
2
: a residual abnormality (as a scar or limp)

Legal Definition

residual

adjective
re·​sid·​u·​al
ri-ˈzi-jə-wəl
: of, relating to, or constituting a residue : residuary

More from Merriam-Webster on residual

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