residue

[ rez-i-doo, -dyoo ]

noun

1. something that remains after a part is removed, disposed of, or used; remainder; rest; remnant.

   Synonyms: residuum

2. Chemistry.
   1. residuum ( def 2 ).
   2. an atom or group of atoms considered as a group or part of a molecule.
   3. that part remaining as a solid on a filter paper after a liquid passes through in the filtration procedure.
3. Law. the part of a testator's estate that remains after the payment of all debts, charges, special devises, and bequests.
4. Mathematics.
   1. the coefficient of the term with exponent −1 in a Laurent series of a function of a complex variable.
   2. a number related to a given number by a congruence.

residue

/ ˈrɛzɪˌdjuː /

noun

1. matter remaining after something has been removed
2. law what is left of an estate after the discharge of debts and distribution of specific gifts

Word History and Origins

Origin of residue¹

1300–50; Middle English from Middle French residu from Latin residuum “what is left over”; residual

Word History and Origins

Origin of residue¹

C14: from Old French residu , from Latin residuus remaining over, from residēre to stay behind, reside

Synonym Study

See remainder.

Example Sentences

Customs and Border Protection officers found “white or light-colored clothing items dried stiff and covered in a white residue,” according to a criminal complaint filed in the Central District of California.

From Los Angeles Times

Pollution in the region is not caused by a single factor, but a combination of elements - such as construction activities, vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants and the seasonal burning of crop residue.

From BBC

Furthermore, the analysis of organic residues indicates that some of the trays were used to cook foods containing animal-derived ingredients, such as animal fat, and in one case, plant-based seasonings.

From Science Daily

However, unlike other guide RNA molecules such as microRNAs that are all the same length, snoRNAs vary greatly in their length from 50-250 residues, suggesting that they can do many different things.

From Science Daily

There, archaeologists found two pieces of flint encased in birch tar residue, indicating the flint pieces were once hafted to other objects.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• debris
• silt
• slag