by-product
/ˈbaɪ prɒdʌkt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈbaɪ prɑːdʌkt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbī-ˌprä-(ˌ)dəkt How to pronounce by-product (audio)/ (ame, mw)
by-product — noun
1. a material or substance that comes out while a main product is being made, even
a material or substance that comes out while a main product is being made, even though it is not the chief thing wanted
The sugar plant turns cane fiber into a by-product for paper trays.
by-product from manufacturing
Apinya sold the orange peel by-product to a soap maker nearby.
Warm ash became a by-product that the farmers spread over wet fields.
The brewery stores each grain by-product in separate bins after drying.
- co-product
technical term for something produced alongside another product
- residue
used when the extra material is mainly leftover matter rather than a useful secondary product
文法句型
a by-product from + process
use a by-product for + purpose
用法筆記
This sense usually names a physical substance or item made alongside the main product, especially in industry, farming, or science. Distinguish it from sense 2, which is about an effect rather than a material thing.
2. an extra effect that develops from an action or change, often without anyone pla
an extra effect that develops from an action or change, often without anyone planning it
Better listening was a by-product of the weekly family meetings.
a by-product of + activity
Rohan's late bus rides became a by-product of the bridge repairs.
Cleaner desks were a by-product of the class selling old books.
One by-product of the new schedule was quieter traffic near school.
- side effect
often suggests an unintended result, especially a harmful one
- spin-off
often suggests a useful new development that grows out of something else
文法句型
a by-product of + activity
a by-product of + change
用法筆記
Use this sense for a result, benefit, or problem that appears because of something else. Distinguish it from sense 1, which refers to a tangible material or manufactured item.