residual

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical

n. a small amount of something that remains after a process is finished.

n. a quantity or substance remaining after a specific process, such as evaporation or combustion, has been completed.

“The chemist analyzed the residual left in the bottom of the flask.”

“The industrial process was designed to minimize the toxic residuals that often accumulate during the cooling phase.”

C1 · Advanced Plural noun Technical

n. money paid to actors or writers when their show or movie is shown again.

n. payments made to creative professionals, such as performers or directors, for the subsequent broadcast or sale of a recorded work.

“The actor still receives residuals every time the old sitcom airs on TV.”

“The union negotiated a new contract to ensure that writers receive fair residuals from streaming platforms as well as traditional broadcast networks.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Mathematics Academic · Technical

n. the difference between a real measurement and what a mathematical model predicted.

n. the difference between an observed value and the value predicted by a statistical model or regression line.

“The researcher checked the residuals to see if the model was accurate.”

“A pattern in the residuals suggested that the linear model was inappropriate for the dataset and required a non-linear approach.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Informal

n. a feeling or energy left in a place after a big event or a person's death.

n. a spiritual or energetic trace allegedly left in a location following a significant or traumatic event.

“Some people believe the cold spot in the hallway is a residual from the house's history.”

“Paranormal investigators often distinguish between an intelligent haunting and a mere residual that repeats like a recording.”