by-product
UK: ˈbaɪˌprɒdʌkt | US: ˈbaɪˌprɑːdʌkt
n. a secondary or incidental product derived from a manufacturing process or chemical reaction
n. an unintended but inevitable result of an action or situation
The word "by-product" originated in the mid-19th century, combining "by" (Old English "bī," meaning "near" or "secondary") and "product" (Latin "productum," meaning "something produced"). It reflects the idea of a secondary outcome alongside the primary product, whether in industrial processes or broader contexts. The term logically captures the relationship between main and incidental results.
Molasses is a by-product of sugar refining.
The increased traffic congestion was a by-product of the new shopping mall.
Antibiotics were discovered as a by-product of mold research.
The factory sells its by-products to other industries.
Happiness is often a by-product of helping others.