A remnant is a part, piece, or quantity that is left over after the greater part has been used, consumed, or destroyed. In textiles, it refers to the end of a roll of fabric; in historical and sociological contexts, it represents a surviving trace of a bygone era, culture, or population.
Etymology
Origin: Old French
- re- — back, again (Latin)
- manere — to stay, remain (Latin)
Entered Middle English as 'remenaunt' in the 14th century via the Old French 'remanant' (the present participle of 'remanoir', meaning 'to remain'), which ultimately derives from the Latin 'remanere'.
Example
- The ancient stone archways are the last standing remnants of a once-thriving medieval city.
source: [CAPS LOCK]