retort
IPA: rˈitɔrt
noun
- A sharp or witty reply, or one which turns an argument against its originator; a comeback.
- (chemistry) A flask with a rounded base and a long neck that is bent down and tapered, used to heat a liquid for distillation.
- An airtight vessel in which material is subjected to high temperatures in the chemical industry or as part of an industrial manufacturing process, especially during the smelting and forging of metal.
- A pressure cooker.
- A crematory furnace.
verb
- To say something sharp or witty in answer to a remark or accusation.
- To make a remark which reverses an argument upon its originator; to return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility.
- To bend or curve back.
- To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.
- (transitive) To heat in a retort.
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Examples of "retort" in Sentences
- When she insulted him, he couldn't help but retort with a snappy comeback
- His sharp retort caught her off guard and left her speechless
- Instead of staying quiet, she decided to retort with a clever retort of her own
- The teacher's retort shut down the student's argument quickly
- Despite his friend's teasing, he always had a witty retort ready
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