remnant
UK: ˈrɛmnənt | US: ˈrɛmnənt
n. a small remaining quantity of something
n. a surviving trace or fragment
n. (in textiles) a piece of fabric left after the rest has been used or sold
remnant = remn<remain> + ant<noun suffix>
- remn<remain>: Derived from Old French remenant, from Latin remanere ("to remain"), combining re- (back) + manere (to stay).
- ant<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns indicating a state or result (e.g., "participant").
Etymology Origin:
The word "remnant" traces back to Latin remanere, meaning "to stay behind." Over time, it evolved through Old French remenant into Middle English, retaining the core idea of "what remains." The suffix -ant solidifies its role as a noun denoting a leftover piece or trace. The word vividly captures the concept of survival or residue, whether in physical objects (e.g., fabric scraps) or abstract ideas (e.g., cultural remnants).
The remnant of the cake was saved for later.
Only a remnant of the ancient forest survives today.
She bought a remnant of silk to make a small scarf.
Remnants of the old wall can still be seen in the city.
The remnant of the army retreated to the hills.