| 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. Synonym: 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. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| Retortamonas | A genus of protozoan flagellates, one species of which, Retortamonas intestinalis, is found occasionally in the human intestine, although it is nonpathogenic and infrequently reported. Origin: L. Re-torqueo, to twist back, + G. Monas, single, a unit (05 Mar 2000) |