Residue: meaning, definitions and examples

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residue

[ˈrɛzɪˌdjuː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

chemistry

A small amount of a substance that remains after a reaction has taken place or a liquid has been separated.

Synonyms

remainder, remains, remnant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
residue	When referring to a small amount left over after a process or event, often used in scientific or technical contexts. After boiling off the water, a white residue was left in the bottom of the pan. Make sure to clean the surface thoroughly to remove any chemical residue.
remains	Often used to describe what is left of physical objects, structures, or sometimes even people, with a more historical or solemn tone. Archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient civilization. The charred remains of the building were all that was left after the fire.
remainder	Used in a more general sense to describe what is left of a whole, can be applied in both formal and informal contexts. He ate half the cake and left the remainder for his sister. The remainder of the day was spent organizing the office.
remnant	Typically used to describe a small remaining part of something that was once larger, often with a nostalgic or historical connotation. She used the remnant of the fabric to make a patchwork quilt. The town's people cherish the remnants of the old castle.

Examples of usage

The residue at the bottom of the test tube was carefully examined.
After distillation, the residue left in the flask was analyzed for impurities.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

finance

The difference between the total cost of a loan and the sum of the periodic payments made against it.

Synonyms

balance, outstanding amount, remaining debt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
residue	This word is often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe what is left after a process has been completed. It can also refer to a small amount of something that remains. After filtering the water, a small residue was left in the container There was a sticky residue on the surface after the adhesive was removed
balance	This term is commonly used in financial contexts to indicate the amount of money left in an account or the amount of money owed. I need to check my bank balance before making a purchase The balance on your credit card needs to be paid by the end of the month
outstanding amount	This phrase is typically used in financial or contractual settings to refer to the amount of money that has not yet been paid. It often implies urgency or a need for resolution. Please clear the outstanding amount to avoid any late fees The invoice shows an outstanding amount of $200
remaining debt	Used primarily in financial discussions, this term refers to the portion of debt that has yet to be paid off. It often carries a negative connotation because it implies an ongoing obligation. After paying off half her loan, she still had a remaining debt of $5000 The remaining debt will be paid in monthly installments over the next year

Examples of usage

The monthly payment goes towards both the principal and the interest, reducing the residue over time.
When the loan was fully paid off, there was no residue left to be settled.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

biology

A material that remains after a process such as digestion or combustion.

Synonyms

debris, leftovers, remains.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
residue	Used to describe a small amount of something that remains after most of it has been removed or used up. Often used in scientific, chemical, or technical contexts. After boiling the solution, a white residue was left at the bottom of the beaker
remains	Used to refer to what is left of something that has been destroyed, taken apart, or has decayed. Often used in archaeological or forensic contexts. The archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient structure beneath the soil
debris	Refers to scattered pieces of waste or remains, often due to destruction, damage, or in situations involving nature like storms and accidents. The streets were filled with debris after the hurricane passed through
leftovers	Typically used to describe remaining food that was not eaten at a meal, intended to be eaten later. We had pizza leftovers for lunch the next day

Examples of usage

The residue of the food was examined under a microscope to study its nutritional content.
After the forest fire, the residue of burnt trees covered the ground.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from Latin 'residuum', meaning 'that which remains'.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, often in legal and scientific contexts.
The root 'siduus' means 'to sit', indicating something that stays behind.

Science

In chemistry and biology, residue refers to substances that remain after a process, like distillation or evaporation.
In wastewater treatment, residue is what’s left after solids are removed from water, impacting environmental management.
Residue is significant in fields like pharmacology, where it refers to leftover active ingredients after drug synthesis.

Pop Culture

In the world of cooking shows, chefs often mention 'residue' when discussing how to clean pans to avoid leftover flavors.
The term appears in films and books, often to symbolize the emotional or physical remnants of past experiences.
In video games, 'residue' can refer to items left behind from defeated enemies that players can collect.

Literature

Writers use 'residue' metaphorically to discuss themes of loss or what remains after significant events.
Poets often depict emotional residue as feelings that linger after relationships end, affecting future love.
In narrative works, residue might symbolize the impact of past actions on present circumstances.

Psychology

Residue can refer to lingering thoughts or emotions from past memories that affect current mental health.
In therapy, understanding emotional residue can help individuals process and move on from trauma.
The concept is often employed in cognitive behavioral therapy to explore how past events influence behavior.

Translations

Translations of the word "residue" in other languages:

🇵🇹 resíduo

🇮🇳 अवशेष

🇩🇪 Rückstand

🇮🇩 sisa

🇺🇦 залишок

🇵🇱 reszta

🇯🇵 残留

🇫🇷 résidu

🇪🇸 residuo

🇹🇷 kalıntı

🇰🇷 잔류물

🇸🇦 بقايا

🇨🇿 zbytek

🇸🇰 zvyšok

🇨🇳 残留物

🇸🇮 ostanek

🇮🇸 leif

🇰🇿 қалдық

🇬🇪 ნარჩენი

🇦🇿 qalıq

🇲🇽 residuo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,966, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4963 tonight
4964 pig
4965 continuity
4966 residue
4967 prompt
4968 explaining
4969 jail
...