retort
/ɹɪˈtɔɹt/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.89 in modern English
6
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
4
Unique Chars
Meaning
verb
To make a remark which reverses an argument upon its originator; to return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility.
verb
To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.
noun
A flask with a rounded base and a long neck that is bent down and tapered, used to heat a liquid for distillation.
noun
An airtight vessel in which material is subjected to high temperatures in the chemical industry or as part of an industrial manufacturing process, especially during the smelting and forging of metal.
noun
Example Sentences
- "He countered her insult with a clever retort."
- "“It is a pity,” he retorted with aggravating meekness, “that they do not use a little common sense. The case resembles that of Columbus' egg, and is every bit as simple.[…]”"
- "to retort the charge of vanity"
- "And with retorted scorn his back he turned."
- "a retorted line"
- "With retorted head, pruned themselves as they floated."
Etymology
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: *terkʷ-, retorte, retortus
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ɹɪˈtɔɹt/
- British English: /ɹɪˈtɔːt/