ret

1 of 2

verb

ˈret

retted; retting

transitive verb

: to soak (something, such as flax or hemp) to loosen the fiber from the woody tissue

intransitive verb

: to become retted

ret

2 of 2

abbreviation

retired

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Middle Dutch

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler

The first known use of ret was in the 14th century

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Style

“Ret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ret. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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Kids Definition

ret

verb

ˈret

retted; retting

: to soak a plant (as flax) to loosen the fiber from the woody tissue

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