re·sid·u·al
ri-ˈzi-jə-wəl 
-jəl;
-ˈzij-wəl
1
a
: the difference between results obtained by observation and by computation from a formula or between the mean of several observations and any one of them
b
: a residual product or substance
c
: an internal aftereffect of experience or activity that influences later behavior
especially
: a disability remaining from a disease or operation
2
: a payment (as to an actor or writer) for each rerun after an initial showing (as of a TV show)
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a residue
2
: leaving a residue that remains effective for some time
a residual pesticide
residually
adverb
Examples of residual in a Sentence
Adjective
She's still dealing with the residual effects of the accident.
Recent Examples on the Web
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025
Over the Blaq Tuxedo and Eric Hudson instrumental, Kelly thanked his fans and addressed the lack of his own residuals.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2025
If the benefits of the medical device significantly outweigh the residual risks, they are often accepted by regulatory bodies and stakeholders.
—Aishwarya Suresh, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for residual
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Noun
Counter this with $410M in feature expenses that are comprised of a $270M net production price tag (thanks to the starts and stops due to the strikes, and a fire on the UK set), a $111M global P&A and $29M in residuals and other expenses.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025
Over the Blaq Tuxedo and Eric Hudson instrumental, Kelly thanked his fans and addressed the lack of his own residuals.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Since no solvents are used, there’s no risk of residual chemicals in the final product.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2025
If the benefits of the medical device significantly outweigh the residual risks, they are often accepted by regulatory bodies and stakeholders.
—Aishwarya Suresh, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for residual
Cite this Entry
“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/residual. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
residual
1 of 2 adjective
re·sid·u·al
ri-ˈzij-(ə-)wəl
-ˈzij-əl
1
: of, relating to, or being a residue
2
: leaving a residue that is effective for some time afterward
residually
adverb
-ē
residual
2 of 2 noun
: a residual product, substance, or result
Medical Definition
residual
1 of 2 adjective
re·sid·u·al
ri-ˈzij-(ə-)wəl, -ˈzij-əl
1
: of, relating to, or being something that remains: as
a
: remaining after a disease or operation
residual paralysis
b
: remaining in a body cavity after maximum normal expulsion has occurred
residual urine
see residual volume
2
a
: leaving a residue that remains effective for some time after application
residual insecticides
b
: of or relating to a residual insecticide
a residual spray
residual
2 of 2 noun1
: an internal aftereffect of experience or activity that influences later behavior
2
: a residual abnormality (as a scar or limp)
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