GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Retort , 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.]
   To bend or curve back; as, a retorted line.
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   With retorted head, pruned themselves as they floated.
   Southey.
   
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   To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.
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   As when his virtues, shining upon others,
   Heat them and they retort that heat again
   To the first giver.
   Shak.
   
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   To return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility; as, to retort the charge of vanity.
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   And with retorted scorn his back he turned.
   Milton.
   
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2.       
   Retort, v. i. To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply.
   Pope.
   
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3.       
   Retort, n. [See Retort, v. t.]
   The return of, or reply to, an argument, charge, censure, incivility, taunt, or witticism; a quick and witty or severe response.
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   This is called the retort courteous.
   Shak.
   
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   [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.
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   Tubulated retort (Chem.), a retort having a tubulure for the introduction or removal of the substances which are to be acted upon.
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   Syn. -- 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.
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