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residue

noun
res·​i·​due | \ ˈre-zə-ˌdü How to pronounce residue (audio) , -ˌdyü\

Definition of residue

: 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 Example Sentences Learn More about residue

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Police conducted a probable-cause search and found that two of the suspects had marijuana grinders with marijuana residue. — Bruce Geiselman, cleveland.com, "Suspect’s dog leads to his arrest for shoplifting candy: North Olmsted Police Blotter," 13 July 2019 The object recovered was a metal grinder that had marijuana residue inside, according to Green’s arrest report. — Wayne K. Roustan, sun-sentinel.com, "UFC fighter Desmond Green facing 20 charges including DUI manslaughter after I-75 crash killed two women," 26 June 2019 Lam attached hand-size foam sculptures to the interior; some yield immediately to the touch, some crinkle, and some leave a glittery residue on hands. — Nora Mcgreevy, BostonGlobe.com, "Art meets marketing for the Instagram age at the ICA," 13 June 2019 Newman said testing on Seplak’s shirt cuff from the night of the shooting came back positive for gunshot residue. — Jim Newton, Lake County News-Sun, "Libertyville murder trial witness describes defendant's alleged obsession with her," 12 June 2019 If taste or chemical sensitivity are concerns, be aware that disinfectant does leave a chlorine residue in the water. — Sunny Fitzgerald, National Geographic, "6 plastic-free ways to travel with safe drinking water," 7 Mar. 2019 Dermatologist Jeanine Downie told Marie Claire that face wash won’t actually remove potent formulas common in waterproof mascara and may actually leave a damaging residue on your lashes. — Fiza Pirani, ajc, "Falling asleep with mascara on can be dangerous — top mascara beauty tips," 6 June 2018 Lemon juice, literally, doesn't cut it, and, in my hands, a baking soda solution leaves a dull residue. — Contributing Writer, NOLA.com, "5 easy steps to a healthier home: From house plants to air filters," 2 Apr. 2018 State police who responded to the crash site found the ground littered with objects that had spilled out of the car: a glass meth pipe, pill bottles, metal spoons with heroin residue. — oregonlive.com, "Six-time convicted felon lies, implicates brother, then gets assault rifle back from state police after crash," 9 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'residue.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of residue

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for residue

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin residuum, from neuter of residuus left over, from residēre to remain

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More Definitions for residue

residue

noun
How to pronounce residue (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of residue

: a usually small amount of something that remains after a process has been completed or a thing has been removed
formal : the amount of something valuable (such as an estate) that is left after all debts have been paid

See the full definition for residue in the English Language Learners Dictionary

residue

noun
res·​i·​due | \ ˈre-zə-ˌdü How to pronounce residue (audio) , -ˌdyü\

Kids Definition of residue

: whatever remains after a part is taken, set apart, or lost

residue

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

Medical Definition of residue

: 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

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residue

noun
res·​i·​due | \ ˈre-zə-ˌdü, -ˌdyü How to pronounce residue (audio) \

Legal Definition of residue

: 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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