byproduct
byproduct — noun
1. something extra that is made when a main product is manufactured, processed, or
something extra that is made when a main product is manufactured, processed, or grown
The factory sells the fruit peel as a byproduct for animal feed.
byproduct used after production
Steam from the paper mill became a byproduct used to heat nearby homes.
Yumi turned the cheese whey byproduct into soup for the staff lunch.
byproduct turned into another use
The lab tracks each byproduct before shipping the main medicine overseas.
- industrial byproduct
- chemical byproduct
- sell a byproduct
- use a byproduct
- co-product
technical term for something produced alongside another product
- residue
only when the extra material is leftover matter rather than a broadly useful extra product
Grammar Patterns
a byproduct of + process
use a byproduct for + purpose
Usage Note
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 outcome rather than a material thing.
2. an additional result that comes from an activity or change, often without being
an additional result that comes from an activity or change, often without being planned
Better teamwork was a byproduct of the long weeks spent rehearsing together.
a byproduct of + activity
One welcome byproduct of the bike program was cleaner air downtown.
Skipped breakfasts were a byproduct of her late-night study habit.
A small byproduct of the app update was fewer calls to support.
byproduct meaning side effect or extra outcome
- unexpected byproduct
- welcome byproduct
- positive byproduct
- a byproduct of change
- 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
Grammar Patterns
a byproduct of + activity
a byproduct of + change
Usage Note
Use this sense for an effect, benefit, or problem that appears because of something else. Distinguish it from sense 1, which refers to a tangible material or manufactured item.
Etymology
The word combines by with product to name something that appears alongside a main result.
First known use
1849
1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1