from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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This is called the retort courteous. --Shak.
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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.
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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.
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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