Definition

1. Noun:

   • A quick, witty, or sharp reply to a question or remark: A "retort" is a clever, often critical, answer given immediately in response to a comment or accusation.
   • A closed vessel used for heating substances for distillation or chemical decomposition: In chemistry and industry, a "retort" is a type of glass or metal container with a long neck bent downward, used for distillation.

2. Verb:

   • To reply quickly, wittily, or sharply: To "retort" means to answer back in a clever, critical, or angry manner.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (verbal reply):
  • Her clever retort left him speechless.
  • The politician's retort to the journalist's question was widely quoted.
• Noun (chemical vessel):
  • The alchemist heated the liquid in a glass retort.
• Verb:
  • "That's not true!" she retorted angrily.
  • When accused of being lazy, he retorted that he was merely efficient.

Advanced Usage

• "To make a retort": To deliver a sharp or witty reply.
  • He was quick to make a retort to any criticism.
• "A retort courteous": A formal or polite term for a sharp reply, often used in historical or literary contexts regarding formal debate.
  • In the duel of wits, her response was a retort courteous.

Variants and Related Words

• Retortion (noun, rare): The act of retorting; a retort.
• Retortive (adjective, rare): Characteristic of a retort; sharp in reply.

Synonyms

• Noun (reply): Rejoinder, riposte, comeback, counter, rebuttal.
• Verb: Rejoin, riposte, counter, snap back, answer back.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Retort" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically contained in the single word.)

Related Idioms

• "A retort that stings": A reply that is particularly sharp, effective, or hurtful.
  • His sarcastic comment was met with a retort that stung.
• "To have a retort on the tip of one's tongue": To be ready to give a quick, sharp reply immediately.
  • She had a witty retort on the tip of her tongue but decided to stay silent.

Noun

1. a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat
2. a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
   • it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher

Verb

1. answer back