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
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 residue contained human feces mixed with thyme and olive oil.
—
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Inspect them for rust and any sticky residue which can be wiped away with WD-40 (which also help keep the hinges lubricated).
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
As the day lengthens, and between moves, a little grease imprints each of my pieces—the residue of crackly griot, pikliz, and tostones.
—Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
Atila found residues in seven different vessels but only obtained a conclusive result from one artifact excavated in the ancient city of Pergamon that dates from the second century.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for residue
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.
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Inspect them for rust and any sticky residue which can be wiped away with WD-40 (which also help keep the hinges lubricated).
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
As the day lengthens, and between moves, a little grease imprints each of my pieces—the residue of crackly griot, pikliz, and tostones.
—Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
Atila found residues in seven different vessels but only obtained a conclusive result from one artifact excavated in the ancient city of Pergamon that dates from the second century.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for residue
Cite this Entry
“Residue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/residue. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
