Retorter

re·tort ¹  (r-tôrt)

v. re·tort·ed, re·tort·ing, re·torts

v.tr.

1.

a. To reply, especially to answer in a quick, caustic, or witty manner. See Synonyms at answer.

b. To present a counterargument to.

2. To return in kind; pay back.

v.intr.

1. To make a reply, especially a quick, caustic, or witty one.

2. To present a counterargument.

3. To return like for like; retaliate.

n.

1. A quick incisive reply, especially one that turns the first speaker's words to his or her own disadvantage.

2. The act or an instance of retorting.

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[Latin retorqure, retort-, to bend back, retort : re-, re- + torqure, to bend, twist; see terk^w- in Indo-European roots.]

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re·torter n.

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re·tort ²  (r-tôrt, rtôrt)

n.

A closed laboratory vessel with an outlet tube, used for distillation, sublimation, or decomposition by heat.

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[French retorte, from Medieval Latin retorta, from feminine of Latin retortus, past participle of retorqure, to bend back; see retort¹.]