remnant

/ˈrɛmnənt/

/ˈrɛmnɪnt/

Other forms: remnants

A remnant is something that's left over, once the rest is used up. If you plan to sew a shirt using only a remnant, it might have to be a midriff shirt.

The noun remnant can also be used to refer to leftover things other than cloth. The origin of the word might help you remember this, more all-purpose, meaning — it comes from the French remanant, which means "to remain." Think of it this way: a remnant is something that remains, or is left behind. For example, the remnants from the ancient battle gave archaeologists clues from which to infer what had happened.

Definitions of remnant

1. noun

   a small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists
   synonyms: dregs, leftover

   type of:

   balance, remainder, residual, residue, residuum, rest

   something left after other parts have been taken away
2. noun

   a piece of cloth that is left over after the rest has been used or sold
   synonyms: end, oddment, remainder

   types:

   fag end

   the frayed end of a length of cloth or rope

   type of:

   piece of cloth, piece of material

   a separate part consisting of fabric