retort

Noun · Verb

Synonyms: rejoinder return riposte replication comeback counter come back repay rejoin

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)“it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher”Synonyms: rejoinder return riposte replication comeback counter
a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat

Verb (1)

answer backSynonyms: come back repay return riposte rejoin

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Retort \Re*tort"\, v. i. To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply. --Pope. [1913 Webster]

Retort \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. [1913 Webster]

This is called the retort courteous.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

Tubulated retort (Chem.), a retort having a tubulure for the introduction or removal of the substances which are to be acted upon. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

With retorted head, pruned themselves as they floated.— Southey.[1913 Webster]

2.To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect. [1913 Webster]

As when his virtues, shining upon others, Heat them and they retort that heat again To the first giver.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

3.To return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility; as, to retort the charge of vanity. [1913 Webster]

And with retorted scorn his back he turned.— Milton.[1913 Webster]