Retort
[rɪ'tɔːt] or [rɪ'tɔrt]
Definition
(noun.) a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat.
(verb.) answer back.
Edited by Elvis--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) To bend or curve back; as, a retorted line.
(n.) To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.
(n.) To return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility; as, to retort the charge of vanity.
(v. i.) To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply.
(v. t.) The return of, or reply to, an argument, charge, censure, incivility, taunt, or witticism; a quick and witty or severe response.
(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.
Checked by Jo
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Repartee; smart, or witty reply.
Typist: Malcolm
Synonyms and Antonyms
[See RESERVED_and_TACITURN]
SYN:Rejoinder, replicable, repartee, reciprocation, retaliation, reply, answer
ANT:Concession, confession, acquiescence, acceptance
Checked by Brady
Definition
v.t. to throw back: to return: to retaliate: to separate by means of a retort.—v.i. to make a sharp reply.—n. a ready and sharp reply: a witty answer: a vessel used in distillation properly a spiral tube.—p.adj. Retor′ted (her.) interlaced.—ns. Retor′ter; Retor′tion.—adj. Retor′tive.—n. Retort′-seal′er an instrument for removing the encrustation in coal-gas retorts.
Checked by Laurie
Examples
- But Mr. Peggotty made no such retort, only answering with another entreaty to Mrs. Gummidge to cheer up. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- A large curved retort 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 Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.
- A tube is inserted into the mouth of the retort, to carry off the products of the distillation. Frederick C. Bakewell. Great Facts.
- I was going to retort with an inquiry, and had got as far as Why-- when Joe stopped me. Charles Dickens. Great Expectations.
- The retort, A, is fitted in a small furnace. Frederick C. Bakewell. Great Facts.
- The shock of this retort had the effect of crystallizing Selden's wavering intentions. Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
- She flushed to her temples, but the extremity of her need checked the retort on her lip and she continued to face him composedly. Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
- I don't speak your language, she retorted petulantly. Edith Wharton. The Age of Innocence.
- The marriage is no misfortune in itself, she retorted with some little petulance. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- You are a very bad boy,' retorted Bella, 'to talk about dismal things and be out of spirits. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- Don't you be put out, my dear,' complacently retorted Mr Boffin. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- Laughing and pressing her arm, he retorted: 'But still, again for instance; would you exercise that power? Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- I come her, he retorted, on my legs. Charles Dickens. Great Expectations.
- I mean to go on, retorted she; what else do you suppose I mean to do? Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- The coal in the retorts is not entirely consumed, but is reduced to the condition of coke, and in this form is sold for fuel. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- You appear to know a good deal, Mr. Tulkinghorn retorts. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- The same Signor Jupe was to 'enliven the varied performances at frequent intervals with his chaste Shaksperean quips and retorts. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- You shall not escape me in this way, you morose backwoodsman,' retorts Lady Tippins. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- No,' retorts Bob. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- They taught also how the gas should be distilled, condensed, cleaned, scrubbed, confined in retorts, and its flow measured and controlled. William Henry Doolittle. Inventions in the Century.
- He is at her side again in a pace or two, and he retorts, 'That is not what you said. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- Fledgeby retorting that he never heard of any such case but his own, Twemlow goes down again heavily. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- This Mr. Guppy resents as a liberty, retorting, Jobling, there ARE chords in the human mind-- Jobling begs pardon. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
Typist: Waldo