by-product
|by/prod/uct|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈbaɪˌprɑː.dʌkt/
🇬🇧
/ˈbaɪˌprɒd.ʌkt/
something produced as a secondary result
Etymology
Etymology Information
'by-product' originates from English, combining the prefix 'by-' meaning 'secondary' or 'side' and 'product' meaning 'something produced'.
Historical Evolution
'by-product' was formed in the 19th century by compounding 'by-' and 'product', and eventually became the modern English word 'by-product'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a secondary product', and over time it also came to mean 'an unintended result of an action'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a secondary product made during the manufacture or synthesis of something else.
Molasses is a by-product of sugar refining.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/07/26 19:35