About The Word Retort
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Retort
Retort Definition And Meaning |
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What's The Definition Of Retort?
[n] a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat
[n] a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one); "it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher" [v] answer back Synonyms | Synonyms for Retort: come back | comeback | counter | rejoin | rejoinder | repay | replication | return | return | riposte | riposte Related Terms | Find terms related to Retort: See Also | alembic | answer | back talk | backtalk | lip | mouth | reply | reply | respond | response | sass | sassing | still | vessel Retort In Webster's Dictionary \Re*tort"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Retorted}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Retorting}.] [L. retortus, p. p. of retorquere; pref. re-
re- + torquere to turn twist. See {Torsion}, and cf.
{Retort}, n., 2.]
1. To bend or curve back; as, a retorted line.
With retorted head, pruned themselves as they
floated. --Southey.
2. To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.
As when his virtues, shining upon others, Heat them
and they retort that heat again To the first giver.
--Shak.
3. To return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or
incivility; as, to retort the charge of vanity.
And with retorted scorn his back he turned.
--Milton.
\Re*tort"\, v. i. To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply. --Pope. \Re*tort"\, n. [See {Retort}, v. t.] 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}, v. t.] (Chem. & the Arts) 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} (Chem.), a retort having a tubulure for the introduction or removal of the substances which are to be acted upon. Syn: Repartee; answer. Usage: {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. |
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