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.
© Webster 1913.
Re*tort", v. i.
To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply.
Pope.
© Webster 1913.
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. -- 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.
© Webster 1913.