1. a small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been taken or used: "the fine residue left after the sorting of tea"
▪ a substance that remains after a process such as combustion or evaporation: "the ash was a residue from coal-fired power stations"
▪ the part of an estate that is left after the payment of charges, debts, and bequests:"the residue of the estate was divided equally among the cousins"
Word Originlate Middle English: from Old French residu, from Latin residuum ‘something remaining’ (see residuum).