Byproduct Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⚙️
byproduct
[ˈbaɪˌprɒdʌkt ]
Definitions
industrial production
A secondary or incidental product derived from a manufacturing process or chemical reaction. Byproducts are often produced unintentionally but can have commercial value.
Synonyms
incidental product, secondary product, spin-off.
Examples of usage
- Ethanol is a byproduct of the fermentation process in brewing beer.
- Sulfuric acid is a byproduct of the manufacturing of certain metals.
agriculture
A crop or animal product that is produced in addition to the main crop or livestock. Byproducts in agriculture can be used for various purposes such as animal feed or fertilizer.
Synonyms
additional product, secondary product.
Examples of usage
- Corn husks are a byproduct of corn production and can be used as animal feed.
- Manure can be considered a byproduct of livestock farming.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In chemistry, a byproduct can often be a waste product, but sometimes these result in new materials or compounds that are useful.
- Biotechnological processes often produce byproducts that can be harnessed for further applications, like biofuels from fermenting sugars.
Economics
- Byproducts can sometimes create additional revenue streams for companies, like turning sawdust from lumber into particleboard.
- In the circular economy, byproducts are reintroduced into production to minimize waste and enhance sustainability.
Art and Literature
- Many artists consider the emotional expressions and inspirations that arise during the creation process as byproducts of their main work.
- In writing, the ideas and themes that emerge unintentionally while drafting can be seen as creative byproducts.
Pop Culture
- In film, sometimes a scene or character that doesn't make the final cut can be seen as a byproduct of the editing process.
- Popular music tracks sometimes produce remixes that are byproducts of the original song, gaining their own audience.
Origin of 'byproduct'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'byproduct' comes from the combination of 'by' meaning secondary and 'product' meaning something produced.
- It began to be widely used in English around the mid-19th century, especially in industrial contexts.
The term 'byproduct' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'by' and 'product' to refer to secondary products or results of a process. Byproducts play an important role in various industries and agriculture, contributing to resource efficiency and sustainability.
See also: prod, product, production, productively, productiveness, productivity, products, unproductiveness.