remnant

[rem-nuhnt]

noun

1. a remaining, usually small part, quantity, number, or the like.

   Synonyms: remains, rest, residuum, residue, remainder

2. a fragment or scrap.

3. a small, unsold or unused piece of cloth, lace, etc., as at the end of a bolt.

4. a trace; vestige.

   remnants of former greatness.

adjective

1. remaining; leftover.

remnant

/ ˈrɛmnənt /

noun

1. (often plural) a part left over after use, processing, etc

2. a surviving trace or vestige, as of a former era

   a remnant of imperialism

3. a piece of material from the end of a roll, sold at a lower price

adjective

1. remaining; left over

Other Word Forms

• remnantal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of remnant¹

1300–50; Middle English remna ( u ) nt, contraction of remenant < Old French, present participle of remenoir to remain

Word History and Origins

Origin of remnant¹

C14: from Old French remenant remaining, from remanoir to _remain

Example Sentences

She’s always seeking her father, not just in Skinner the soldier but in herself too, the remnants of his presence thrumming through her memory.

From Los Angeles Times

He travelled the country for decades with fairground rides, games and snack vans, the remnants of which can be seen around the yard, including a carousel horse displayed in a lounge window.

From BBC

Two bullet holes were found on the passenger side of the truck, Sanchez said, and his firm shared videos of remnants of the bullets being collected from inside the vehicle, where shattered window glass remained.

From Los Angeles Times

However, there remains some uncertainty about the impact of the remnants of ex-Hurricane Erin, which is due to bring wetter weather later this week.

From BBC

The remnants of Hurricane Erin look set to affect Wales from late Monday onwards, bringing some wetter and breezier conditions.

From BBC

Related Words

• bit 
• fragment 
• particle 
• piece 
• remains 
• residue 
• shred 
• vestige