| Definitions | | retort |
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noun
- A sharp or witty reply, or one which turns an argument against its originator.
- (chemistry) A flask with a rounded base and a long neck that is bent down and taper, tapered, used to heat a liquid for distillation.
- 1893, A large curved was boiling furiously in the bluish flame of a Bunsen burner, and the distilled drops were condensing into a two-litre measure. " Arthur Conan Doyle, "The Naval Treaty" (Norton 2005, p.670)
- A container in which material is subjected to high temperature, temperatures as part of an industrial manufacturing process, especially during the smelt, smelting and forge, forging of metal.
verb
- To say something sharp or witty in answer to a remark or accusation.
- To make a remark which reverses an argument upon its originator.
- To heat in a retort.
Etymology: Latin retorquere 'twist back'.
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Full Definition of retort
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