Dictionary:
re·tort1 (rĭ-tôrt') ![]() |
v., -tort·ed, -tort·ing, -torts. v.tr.
- To reply, especially to answer in a quick, caustic, or witty manner. See synonyms at answer.
- To present a counterargument to.
- To return in kind; pay back.
- To make a reply, especially a quick, caustic, or witty one.
- To present a counterargument.
- To return like for like; retaliate.
- A quick incisive reply, especially one that turns the first speaker's words to his or her own disadvantage.
- The act or an instance of retorting.
[Latin retorquēre, retort-, to bend back, retort : re-, re- + torquēre, to bend, twist.]
retorter re·tort'er n.re·tort2 (rĭ-tôrt', rē'tôrt')

n.
A closed laboratory vessel with an outlet tube, used for distillation, sublimation, or decomposition by heat.
[French retorte, from Medieval Latin retorta, from feminine of Latin retortus, past participle of retorquēre, to bend back. See retort1.]


