I. ri-ˈtȯrt verb
Etymology: Latin retortus, past participle of retorquēre, literally, to twist back, hurl back, from re- + torquēre to twist — more at torture
Date: circa 1557
transitive verb
1. : to pay or hurl back : return
retort an insult
2.
a. : to make a reply to
b. : to say in reply
3. : to answer (as an argument) by a counter argument
intransitive verb
1. : to answer back usually sharply
2. : to return an argument or charge
3. : retaliate
II. noun
Date: 1600
: a quick, witty, or cutting reply ; especially : one that turns back or counters the first speaker's words
Synonyms: see answer
III. ri-ˈtȯrt, ˈrē-ˌ noun
Etymology: Middle French retorte, from Medieval Latin retorta, from Latin, feminine of retortus; from its shape
Date: 1605
: a vessel or chamber in which substances are distilled or decomposed by heat
IV. ri-ˈtȯrt, ˈrē-ˌ transitive verb
Date: 1850
: to treat (as oil shale) by heating in a retort