Re·tort, n.
  1. The return of, or reply to, an argument, charge, censure, incivility, taunt, or witticism; a quick and witty or severe response.
     This is called the retort courteous.   --Shak.
  2.  Chem. & the Arts A vessel in which substances are subjected to distillation or decomposition by heat. It is made of different forms and materials for different uses, as a bulb of glass with a curved beak to enter a receiver for general chemical operations, or a cylinder or semicylinder of cast iron for the manufacture of gas in gas works.
  Tubulated retort Chem., a retort having a tubulure for the introduction or removal of the substances which are to be acted upon.
  Syn: -- Repartee; answer.
  Usage: -- Retort, Repartee. A retort is a short and pointed reply, turning back on an assailant the arguments, censure, or derision he had thrown out. A repartee is usually a good-natured return to some witty or sportive remark.
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  Tu·bu·la·ted a. Made in the form of a small tube; provided with a tube, or elongated opening.
  Tubulated bottle or Tubulated retort Chem., a bottle or retort having a stoppered opening for the introduction or removal of materials.
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