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retort

12 senses · Free VividLex dictionary · Thesaurus

  1. 1. n. To bend or curve back; as, a retorted line. Source: opted
  2. 2. n. To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect. Source: opted
  3. 3. n. To return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility; as, to retort the charge of vanity. Source: opted
  4. 4. v. i. To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply. Source: opted
  5. 5. v. t. The return of, or reply to, an argument, charge, censure, incivility, taunt, or witticism; a quick and witty or severe response. Source: opted
  6. 6. v. t. 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. Source: opted
  7. 7. n. a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one) Source: wordnet
  8. 8. n. a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat Source: wordnet
  9. 9. v. answer back Source: wordnet
  10. 10. 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. To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply. Pope. 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. Etym: [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. -- 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. Source: webster
  11. 11. To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply.Pope. Source: adambom
  12. 12. n:31/v:69 n. a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat v. answer back Source: ecdict

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