retort

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
  2. noun a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat
  3. verb answer back

Etymology

From Middle English retorte, from Latin retortus, from retorquēre (“to be forced to twist back”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

rejoinder, return, riposte, replication, comeback, counter

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