1. The remainder of something after removal of parts or a part.
2. Matter remaining after completion of an abstractive chemical or physical process, such as evaporation, combustion, distillation, or filtration; residuum.
3. Law. The remainder of a testator's estate after all claims, debts, and bequests are satisfied. Also called residuum.

[Middle English, from Old French residu, from Latin residuum, neuter of residuus, remaining, from residēre, to remain behind. See reside.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.