Byproduct
/ˈbaɪˌprɒdʌkt/
nounB2
Definition
A byproduct is a secondary result that happens when you make or do something. It is not the main product or goal, but something extra that comes out during the process. For example, when you cook food, steam can be a byproduct.
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⚡ See It in Action
A secondary product made during a process
- •The byproduct of burning wood is smoke.
- •Sugar production creates molasses as a byproduct.
- •Factories often have byproducts that need to be managed carefully.
Something that happens as a result but is not planned or wanted
- •Noise can be a byproduct of heavy traffic.
- •Pollution is often a byproduct of industrial work.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "byproduct" like "product" (A1 word), but it is the smaller or extra thing made while making the main product.
- ✓Picture a factory making bread, and the crumbs that fall are the byproduct—not the bread itself.
- ✓It's the feeling of getting something unexpected, like when you bake cookies and find extra crumbs on the tray.
- ✓Sounds like "BYE-product" → imagine saying goodbye to the main thing and keeping the small extra part.
- ✓Think of a story where making one thing accidentally creates another, like making fire and also smoke.
- ✓NOT like "product" (the main thing made), a byproduct is always extra or secondary.
- ✓NOT like "waste" (useless trash), a byproduct can sometimes be useful or valuable.
- ✓NOT like "side effect" (usually about medicine or actions), a byproduct is about things made during production or work.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Side effect: an extra effect, often unwanted (Use when talking about medicine or actions, not physical products)
- •Waste: something useless left after making something (Use when the extra thing has no value)
- •Residue: small amount left behind after a process (Use when talking about small physical remains)
- •Offshoot: something that grows or develops from something else (Use when the extra thing is like a branch or new part)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "by-" (near, secondary) + "product" (something made or created)
- •Etymology: From English words "by" meaning secondary and "product" meaning something made
- •Historical development: Used since early 1600s to mean a secondary product made during a main production
- •Modern usage: Common in science, industry, and everyday language to talk about extra things made during a process
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can a byproduct be more useful than the main product? Can you think of examples?
•How do byproducts affect the environment or economy in your country?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.Factories produce many products, but ___ byproduct ___ must be handled carefully to avoid pollution.
2.Smoke is a common byproduct ___ burning wood, even though the main goal is heat.
3.Sometimes a byproduct is useful, but other times it is ___ unwanted or harmful ___.
4.Pollution is often a byproduct ___ industrial work, not the main purpose.
5.A byproduct is NOT the main product; it comes ___ during or after ___ the process.
6.When making cheese, whey is a byproduct ___ can be used in other foods.
7.Noise can be a byproduct ___ heavy machines running, which can bother people nearby.