residual

1 of 2

noun

re·​sid·​u·​al ri-ˈzi-jə-wəl How to pronounce residual (audio)
-jəl;
-ˈzij-wəl
1
: remainder, residuum: such as
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)

residual

2 of 2

adjective

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
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Noun
The filing also details TVA's compliance with environmental regulations, including the management of coal combustion residuals and the implementation of a groundwater monitoring program. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 When the strike concluded on Nov. 9, 2023, the new SAG-AFTRA contract established a streaming participation bonus for the first time, compensating performers in addition to traditional residuals. EW.com, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
This change is due to a decrease in residual payouts. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 Unlike butter, which can be difficult to spread under and over the skin due to residual moisture, mayonnaise glides on smoothly, making total coverage quicker and easier. Nicole Hopper, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for residual 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin residuum residue

First Known Use

Noun

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of residual was in 1557

Dictionary Entries Near residual

Cite this Entry

“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/residual. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

residual

1 of 2 adjective
re·​sid·​u·​al ri-ˈzij-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce residual (audio)
-ˈzij-əl
1
: of, relating to, or being a residue
2
: leaving a residue that is effective for some time afterward
residually
adverb

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 How to pronounce residual (audio)
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 noun
1
: an internal aftereffect of experience or activity that influences later behavior
2
: a residual abnormality (as a scar or limp)

Legal Definition

residual

adjective
re·​sid·​u·​al
ri-ˈzi-jə-wəl
: of, relating to, or constituting a residue : residuary

More from Merriam-Webster on residual

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