Residual: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used in scientific, technical, or financial contexts to describe something that remains after the main part has been taken or used.

• There is some residual sugar left in the wine after fermentation
• The medication had residual effects that lasted for hours

Commonly used in both formal and casual contexts to refer to what is left when part of something has been removed or consumed.

• Please finish the remaining tasks before the deadline
• The remaining tickets are almost sold out

Often used in everyday language to refer to food that remains after a meal, but can also describe other items or amounts that remain after the rest is used.

• We had pizza leftovers for dinner
• There's some leftover paint from the last renovation

Used to describe something that has not been used at all. This word is neutral and can be applied in various settings.

• We have several unused rooms in the house
• The tools remained unused in the garage

Commonly used in scientific or technical contexts to refer to the small amount of something left after the main part has been removed or completed.

• The residual chemicals in the water need to be filtered out.
• There was a residual amount of paint left in the can.

Often used to describe a small remaining part of something that once was larger or more significant, usually in a tangible or historical context.

• There are only remnants of the ancient civilization left.
• The remnants of the old building are still visible.

Used in general contexts to refer to what is left after the rest has been taken or used.

• You can keep the remainder of the cake.
• The remainder of the day was spent relaxing.

Used to describe a very small amount of something that is barely noticeable or present, often in forensic, scientific, or detective contexts.

• They found traces of DNA at the crime scene.
• There was a trace amount of sugar in the sample.