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
Noun
The unions were expected to demand a new streaming residual that would augment the employer contributions into the pension and health plans. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024 Set for life thanks to residuals, the Seinfeld co-creator meanders around Los Angeles’ wealthiest neighborhoods, playing golf, making scenes in restaurants, and taking on inessential projects. TIME, 2 Feb. 2024 In their announcement, the unions acknowledged that various measures taken during 2023 to help crew members survive the writers’ and actors’ strikes had taken their toll on the health and pension plans, which are funded in part by residuals accrued from members working. Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2024 The new contract establishes a streaming participation bonus for the first time, compensating performers in addition to traditional residuals. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 10 Nov. 2023 Netflix and other streaming services typically pay performers upfront, minimizing the residuals that working actors have relied on to sustain themselves between jobs. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2023 Wages for theatrical films, which have historically generated the highest residuals for Hollywood players, have plummeted over the past decade, according to statistics from AFM Local 47, which represents most of the musicians who play on TV and film scores. Jon Burlingame, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024 The issues at hand included the use of AI in generating and perpetuating actors' likenesses, as well as residuals and data transparency for streaming projects. EW.com, 8 Nov. 2023 Profits from royalties and residuals have dried up across the TV and movie industry since the proliferation of streaming, as fewer people watch shows on traditional networks and purchases of DVDs, Blu-rays, and CDs plummet. Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 13 Feb. 2024
Adjective
Within two seconds, the device can identify any residual contaminant on the hands and wrist using light fluorescence spectroscopy, an imaging technology already used in healthcare that utilizes safe non-UV LED lights. Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 Try to nap earlier in the day and keep it short; napping longer than 30 minutes can leave some residual drowsiness that is harder to shake off. Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 The answer depends on two words: residual seasonality. Cale Clingenpeel, National Review, 5 Mar. 2024 In the 130-day period, the researchers mapped phantom thermal sensations to nerve endings on the residual arm. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 This enables the residual heat of the liquid to gently cook the meat through without overcooking. Ian Knauer, WSJ, 4 Jan. 2024 The residual question now burns across the greater metro area: Who will pay for its demolition? Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 27 Feb. 2024 Last year, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA each gained a new residual — bonuses rewarding successful projects on streaming platforms — in their deals, which the Directors Guild of America also retroactively secured. Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2024 But the studios have steadfastly resisted granting musicians a residual payment for original series, movies and other programs that are made specifically for streaming services. Jon Burlingame, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'residual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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

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