by-product — a secondary or incidental product made in the manufacture or synthesis of something else
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a secondary or incidental product made in the manufacture or synthesis of something else
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbaɪ ˌprɑdʌkt/
Example Sentences
- Carbon dioxide is a major by-product of fossil fuel combustion.
- The by-product of his late-night gaming sessions was becoming a coffee expert.
- My attempt to bake cookies resulted in a burnt mess, but the by-product was a perfectly smoke-scented kitchen.
by-product
NOUN[/ˈbaɪ ˌprɑdʌkt/]
a secondary or incidental product made in the manufacture or synthesis of something else

Sawdust piles up beside the carpenter as a by-product of cutting planks.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term emerged in the 19th century during the Industrial Revolution as manufacturing processes developed. It combines the prefix 'by-' (meaning beside or secondary) with 'product' (something produced), literally denoting something produced alongside the main product in manufacturing operations.
Breakdown
by- (beside, secondary) + product (from Latin productus, thing produced). The compound describes materials or substances generated incidentally during the primary production process.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Carbon dioxide is a major by-product of fossil fuel combustion.”
“The by-product of his late-night gaming sessions was becoming a coffee expert.”
“My attempt to bake cookies resulted in a burnt mess, but the by-product was a perfectly smoke-scented kitchen.”
“Whey is a nutritious by-product of cheese manufacturing.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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