Like writing a book or making an album. You do the work once and profit from it continuously. Also when you buy something that will last you a lifetime. You pay a lot of money now but save money in the long run.
I believe it has something to do work, time or money invested upfront or once. I can't remember where I read it, nor can I remember if it was a single word or a two word phrase.
Best Answer
In specific regards to performance art, residuals are payments made in perpetuity for subsequent broadcasts or showings of your work.