noun
- quick, clever, or angry replies
- glass containers with long necks used in laboratories for distilling liquids
Usage: chemistry
verb
- replies quickly in a sharp or witty way
Examples
- She always has clever retorts ready for any criticism.
- His angry retorts only made the argument worse.
- The chemistry students heated the mixture in glass retorts.
- The laboratory was filled with retorts and other equipment.
- He retorts sarcastically whenever someone questions his work.
- She retorts with facts whenever people spread rumors.
- The comedian retorts to hecklers with perfect timing.