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A small amount of something that remains after a process has been completed or a substance has been removed.
The chemical reaction left a white residue on the glassware.
A white substance remained on the glass after the chemical process.
She wiped away the residue of toothpaste from her lips.
She removed the leftover toothpaste from her lips.
Often used in scientific, legal, or technical contexts to describe leftover matter after a process.
A substance that settles after a liquid is filtered or decanted.
The residue from the distillation process was analyzed for impurities.
The leftover substance after distillation was checked for contaminants.
In chemistry, residue refers specifically to the solid left after evaporation or filtration.
Something that remains as a trace or vestige of a former state or condition.
The ruins were the only residue of the once-great civilization.
The ruins were the only remaining evidence of the civilization.
Used metaphorically to describe remnants of the past.
Remember that 'residue' refers to leftover matter after a process, while 'residency' refers to a position or period of living somewhere.
Residue is typically used for tangible substances like chemicals, sand, or food particles, not abstract concepts.
From Latin *residuum* (something left behind), from *residēre* (to remain), from *re-* (back) + *sedēre* (to sit).
Commonly used in chemistry, law (e.g., 'residue of estate'), and everyday contexts. Avoid confusing with 'residency' (a place where someone lives) or 'residence' (a dwelling).