noun
fragment; incomplete set; incomplete state
Refers to something that is missing parts, such as a fragment of a work, an incomplete collection, or a state of being incomplete. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
この古文書は残欠で、全文は残っていない。
This ancient document is a fragment; the full text does not survive.
全集は残欠で、数巻が欠けている。
The complete works are an incomplete set, missing several volumes.
Compound of 残 (remainder, leftover) and 欠 (lack, missing). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination conveys the idea of something remaining but incomplete.