- (n.) To bend or curve back; as, a retorted line.
- (n.) To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.
- (v.t.) 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.
- (n.) To return, as an argument, accusation, censure or incivility; as, to retort the charge of vanity.
- (v.i.) To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply.
- (v.t.) The return of or reply to, an argument, charge, censure, incivility, taunt or witticism; a quick and witty or severe response.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). retort. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/retort/definitions/2055341 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "retort" http://smartdefine.org/retort/definitions/2055341 (accessed September 21, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, retort, Smart Define, viewed 21 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/retort/definitions/2055341>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "retort" 27 May 2011. Web. 21 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/retort/definitions/2055341> |