residue

noun

res·​i·​due ˈre-zə-ˌdü How to pronounce residue (audio)
-ˌdyü
Synonyms of residue
: something that remains after a part is taken, separated, or designated or after the completion of a process : remnant, remainder
The stove was covered in a greasy residue after cooking.
: 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 of 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.
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.
This process will help to loosen grease and residue in your oven, Murphy explains. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 2 July 2026 Sugary drinks, greasy grill residue, dropped crumbs and overflowing trash are all fair game. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 4 July 2026 If any residue remains, gently scrape it with the plastic scraper. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026 These compounds then enter sewage systems, many of which are not equipped to remove pharmaceutical residues. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing residue

Rhymes for residue

See All Rhymes for residue

Browse Nearby Words

residuary
residue
residue class
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Residue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/residue. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of residue for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about residue

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