Lexic.us

Definition of Retort

1. Verb. Answer back. "They retort that there was a traffic accident "

2. Noun. A quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one). ; "It brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher"

3. Noun. A vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat.

Definition of Retort

1. v. t. To bend or curve back; as, a retorted line.

2. v. i. To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply.

3. n. The return of, or reply to, an argument, charge, censure, incivility, taunt, or witticism; a quick and witty or severe response.

Definition of Retort

1. Noun. A sharp or witty reply, or one which turns an argument against its originator; a comeback. ¹

2. Noun. (chemistry) A flask with a rounded base and a long neck that is bent down and tapered, used to heat a liquid for distillation. ¹

3. Noun. A container in which material is subjected to high temperatures as part of an industrial manufacturing process, especially during the smelting and forging of metal. ¹

4. Verb. To say something sharp or witty in answer to a remark or accusation. ¹

5. Verb. To make a remark which reverses an argument upon its originator. ¹

6. Verb. To heat in a retort. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Retort

1. to answer back sharply [v -ED, -ING, -S]

Medical Definition of Retort

1. 1. The return of, or reply to, an argument, charge, censure, incivility, taunt, or witticism; a quick and witty or severe response. "This is called the retort courteous." (Shak) 2. [F. Retorte (cf. Sp. Retorta), fr. L. Retortus, p. P. Of retorquere. So named from its bent shape. See Retort. A vessel in which substances are subjected to distillation or decomposition by heat. It is made of different forms and materials for different uses, as a bulb of glass with a curved beak to enter a receiver for general chemical operations, or a cylinder or semicylinder of cast iron for the manufacture of gas in gas works. Tubulated retort, a retort having a tubulure for the introduction or removal of the substances which are to be acted upon. Synonym: Repartee, answer. Retort, Repartee. A retort is a short and pointed reply, turning back on an assailant the arguments, censure, or derision he had thrown out. A repartee is usually a good-natured return to some witty or sportive remark. See: Retort. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Retort

retold retook retool retooled retooling retools retoperithelium retopology retore retorn

retorque retorqued retorquing retorsion retorsions retort (current term) retort stand retortamonad retortamonads retorted

retorter retorters retorting retortion retortions retortive retorts retoss retotal retotaled

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