retort
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5 ENTRIES FOUND:

1re·tort

verb \ri-ˈtrt\

Definition of RETORT

transitive verb
1
: to pay or hurl back : return <retort an insult>
2
a : to make a reply to
b : to say in reply
3
: to answer (as an argument) by a counter argument
intransitive verb
1
: to answer back usually sharply
2
: to return an argument or charge

Origin of RETORT

Latin retortus, past participle of retorquēre, literally, to twist back, hurl back, from re- + torquēre to twist — more at torture
First Known Use: circa 1557

2retort

noun

Definition of RETORT

: a quick, witty, or cutting reply; especially : one that turns back or counters the first speaker's words

First Known Use of RETORT

1600

3re·tort

noun \ri-ˈtrt, ˈrē-ˌ\

Definition of RETORT

: a vessel or chamber in which substances are distilled or decomposed by heat

Illustration of RETORT

Origin of RETORT

Middle French retorte, from Medieval Latin retorta, from Latin, feminine of retortus; from its shape
First Known Use: 1605

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

4re·tort

transitive verb \ri-ˈtrt, ˈrē-ˌ\

Definition of RETORT

: to treat (as oil shale) by heating in a retort

First Known Use of RETORT

1850

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

re·tort

noun \ri-ˈt(ə)rt, ˈrē-ˌ\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of RETORT

: a vessel or chamber in which substances are distilled or decomposed by heat

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