online medical dictionary | definition of retort

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.

<chemistry> 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.

<chemistry> Tubulated retort, a retort having a tubulure for the introduction or removal of the substances which are to be acted upon.

Synonyms: 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.

See: Retort.

(01 Mar 1998)