Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Retort?

\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.