residue

noun

res·​i·​due ˈre-zə-ˌdü 

-ˌdyü

: something that remains after a part is taken, separated, or designated or after the completion of a process : remnant, remainder

The stove was covered in a greasy residue after cooking.

: such as

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

Synonyms of residue

• debris
• rubble
• wreckage
• remains
• ruins
• remnant

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

There was residue built up on some of the equipment and food wasn’t being stored at a safe temperature, according to the spokesperson. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2026

The cappuccino machine was dirty and had built up residue on its dispenser nozzles. — Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Cleaning With Vinegar And Baking Soda For tougher baked-on greasy residue, lay the racks on towels on a countertop or floor, in the tub, or on a clean outdoor surface. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

The most common culprits for grout stains are spills, cleaning residue, and mold/mildew buildup. — Abid Haque, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin residuum, from neuter of residuus left over, from residēre to remain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing residue

• residue class

Rhymes for residue

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids 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