residual
Meaning
remaining after the greater part or quantity has gone
a quantity remaining after other things have been subtracted or allowed for
Structure
Usage
She wiped the residual grease from the pan.
The contract guarantees him residual payments from the film's profits.
After the subtraction, a small residual error was still present in the calculation.
Etymology
The word "residual" has a clear logical construction from its Latin components. It originates from the Latin verb 'residēre', meaning "to remain behind, to sit back," which is itself formed from 're-' (back) and 'sedēre' (to sit). The core image is of something that "sits back" or remains seated after others have left. This literal sense evolved into the abstract mathematical and general meaning of a remainder or what is left over. The suffix '-ual' was added to form the adjective, describing the quality of that which remains.
Analysis
- re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back". - sid: Latin origin, from the root of 'sedēre', meaning "to sit". - ual: Latin origin, an adjectival suffix forming adjectives meaning "of or pertaining to".