First Known Use: 1557
Dictionary
1residual
noun re·sid·u·al \ri-ˈzi-jə-wəl, -jəl; -ˈzij-wəl\
Definition of RESIDUAL
1
: remainder, residuum: 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)
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Origin of RESIDUAL
Latin residuum residue
2residual
adjective
: remaining after a process has been completed or something has been removed
Full Definition of RESIDUAL
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a residue
2
: leaving a residue that remains effective for some time <a residual pesticide>
— re·sid·u·al·ly adverb
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First Known Use of RESIDUAL
1570
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