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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Retort \Re*tort"\, v. i.
To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply.
--Pope.
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Retort \Re*tort"\, n. [See {Retort}, v. t.]
1. The return of, or reply to, an argument, charge, censure,
incivility, taunt, or witticism; a quick and witty or
severe response.
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This is called the retort courteous. --Shak.
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2. [F. retorte (cf. Sp. retorta), fr. L. retortus, p. p. of
retorquere. So named from its bent shape. See {Retort}, v.
t.] (Chem. & the Arts) 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.
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{Tubulated retort} (Chem.), a retort having a tubulure for
the introduction or removal of the substances which are to
be acted upon.
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Syn: Repartee; answer.

Usage: {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.
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Retort \Re*tort"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Retorted}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Retorting}.] [L. retortus, p. p. of retorquere; pref. re-
re- torquere to turn twist. See {Torsion}, and cf.
{Retort}, n., 2.]
1. To bend or curve back; as, a retorted line.
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With retorted head, pruned themselves as they
floated. --Southey.
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2. To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.
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As when his virtues, shining upon others,
Heat them and they retort that heat again
To the first giver. --Shak.
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3. To return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or
incivility; as, to retort the charge of vanity.
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And with retorted scorn his back he turned.
--Milton.
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