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

Use hot water and a non-abrasive scrubber or coarse salt to remove stubborn residues. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024

And speaking of washing: Foundation and coffee stains came out of the sheets completely, though some residue from an oil stain lingered slightly. —Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024

In his presentation, Subash used data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that said 70.6% of produce items contain pesticide residues. —Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 16 Oct. 2024

Your Walls With Colorful Wallpaper Transform your space with the abstract striped wallpaper, subtle yet bold, ideal for renters wanting an accent wall without permanent commitment, easily removable without leaving residue. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2024

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

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