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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
The Guild has had to bring a significant number of claims against Millennium over the years for the company’s failure to pay writers initial compensation and residuals, as well as failure to pay writers within the timeframe established in the MBA. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2024 The guild told members that the company has a history of not paying up-front compensation and residuals, and of not paying on time. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 9 Oct. 2024
Adjective
The nascent technology is aimed at addressing residual CO2 in the atmosphere, while other steps are taken to slash additional emissions. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024 Mosquito bites can also leave residual scars, cause allergic reactions, and, in some areas, transmit disease.1 Preventing mosquito bites may be simple or require some real effort, depending on your location and how often you are bitten. Adrienne Dellwo, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 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 5 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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