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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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