residue

American  

[rez-i-doo, -dyoo] / ˈrɛz ɪˌdu, -ˌdyu /

noun

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

   Synonyms:

   residuum

2. Chemistry.

   1. residuum.

   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.

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residue British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See remainder.

Etymology

Origin of residue

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

Example Sentences

The powder is residue from a century of grinding corn into flour against the heavy volcanic rock.

From Literature

Meanwhile, spinach held the list’s top spot for the second year in a row, containing more pesticide residues by weight than any other type of produce.

From Salon

I wipe away the sticky circled residue left by half-drunk glasses, and I close the books splayed open with broken spines and tuck them back on the shelf.

From Literature

This is when Saharan dust mixes with raindrops leaving behind a reddish-brown residue on surfaces.

From BBC

People who ate more produce with high pesticide residues were more likely to have those chemicals detected in their urine compared to those who chose lower residue options.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• debris
• silt
• slag