ENGLISH
REFERENCE

byproduct

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbaɪpɹɑdəkt// UK //bˈaɪpɹədˌʌkt// byprod·uct
Definition

n. something that is made or happens while you are trying to make or do something else. It is an extra result that you did not plan for.

n. a secondary or incidental product resulting from a manufacturing process or chemical reaction; by extension, any unintended consequence of an action.


SIMPLE

Heat is a byproduct of using this machine.

CONTEXTUAL

The new highway was built for travel, but a positive byproduct was the growth of local businesses along the route.

COMPLEX

While the software was designed purely for data encryption, its high processing speed became a valuable byproduct that attracted interest from the gaming industry.

Origin

From by- + product.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' to indicate the primary process or source.

© 2026 English Reference