retort
I. re·tort1 (rĭ-tôrtʹ)v. re·tort·ed, re·tort·ing, re·tortsv. 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. [Latin retorquēre, retort-, to bend back, retort : re-, re- + torquēre, to bend, twist; See terkʷ- in Indo-European Roots.] re·tortʹer n. II. re·tort2 (rĭ-tôrtʹ, rēʹtôrt')n. A closed laboratory vessel with an outlet tube, used for distillation, sublimation, or decomposition by heat. [French retorte, from Medieval Latin retorta, from feminine of Latin retortus, past participle of retorquēre, to bend back. See retort1.]
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