residue
noun
res·i·due
ˈre-zə-ˌdü 
-ˌdyü
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
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
The analysis found broccoli to be a safe bet, for instance, not because the vegetable did not contain pesticide residues but because higher-risk chemicals were at low levels and on only a few samples.
—
Kate Gibson, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2024
Then go in with your hands to massage the bristles or use a clean toothbrush to loosen any gunk or product residue left over and rinse with warm water before laying it out to air dry.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024
Within about 10 minutes, the cream was effectively absorbed into our skin without any greasy residue.
—Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
According to the pros, the main issue with hard water comes down to the buildup of mineral deposits on and in your hair, and the leftover product that can’t be fully washed out, both of which leave behind a residue on the hair shaft.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 2 Apr. 2024
Six railcars, including three carrying ethanol and butane residue, derailed along with two locomotives on the third train, sending the locomotives into the river.
—Josh Funk, Quartz, 26 Mar. 2024
Rinse the sponge or cloth and wipe again with clean water to remove any soap residue.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
For any tough-on pieces of food or yucky residue, the brand recommends using steel wool to gently scour inside.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024
Coffee leaves a residue, and the mineral build-up is a haven for bacteria, yeast, and mold.
—USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024
Kate Gibson, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2024
Then go in with your hands to massage the bristles or use a clean toothbrush to loosen any gunk or product residue left over and rinse with warm water before laying it out to air dry.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024
Within about 10 minutes, the cream was effectively absorbed into our skin without any greasy residue.
—Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
According to the pros, the main issue with hard water comes down to the buildup of mineral deposits on and in your hair, and the leftover product that can’t be fully washed out, both of which leave behind a residue on the hair shaft.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 2 Apr. 2024
Six railcars, including three carrying ethanol and butane residue, derailed along with two locomotives on the third train, sending the locomotives into the river.
—Josh Funk, Quartz, 26 Mar. 2024
Rinse the sponge or cloth and wipe again with clean water to remove any soap residue.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
For any tough-on pieces of food or yucky residue, the brand recommends using steel wool to gently scour inside.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024
Coffee leaves a residue, and the mineral build-up is a haven for bacteria, yeast, and mold.
—USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'residue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near residue
Cite this Entry
“Residue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/residue. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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