browse words by letter
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
retort |
5 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Retort \Re*tort"\, v. i. To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply. --Pope. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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. 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. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Tubulated \Tu"bu*la`ted\, a. Made in the form of a small tube; provided with a tube, or elongated opening. {Tubulated bottle} or {retort} (Chem.), a bottle or retort having a stoppered opening for the introduction or removal of materials. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: retort n 1: a reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one); "it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher" [syn: {rejoinder}, {return}, {riposte}, {comeback}] 2: a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat v : answer back [syn: {come back}, {repay}, {return}, {riposte}, {rejoin}]
more about retort