residue

noun

res·​i·​due ˈre-zə-ˌdü How to pronounce residue (audio)
-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

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
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.
Inspectors found meat and fat residue from the previous day’s production on packaging equipment and in the product processing area. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025 In all cases, melting plastic residue got pulled back into the water supply. Pien Huang, NPR, 11 Jan. 2025 Several areas were unclean with old food debris and residue, including the inside of a microwave and the floor drain underneath a prep sink. Hannah Poukish, Sacramento Bee, 10 Jan. 2025 This color shows dirt, hair, and other residue very quickly. Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for residue 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of residue was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near residue

Cite this Entry

“Residue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/residue. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

residue

noun
res·​i·​due ˈrez-ə-ˌd(y)ü How to pronounce residue (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce residue (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce residue (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on residue

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