Word
retort
Phoneticsre·tort, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹiˌtɔɹt/
UK/ɹɪtˈɔːt/
Definition
n. a piece of equipment used in a laboratory to heat liquids. It looks like a small, curved glass tube that you heat over a flame.
n. a laboratory apparatus consisting of a glass tube with a bulb at one end, used for heating liquids or for distillation. Often used in the context of a Bunsen burner setup.
Examples
“The student used a retort to heat the chemical solution.”
“In the chemistry lab, the retort is essential for heating small amounts of liquid without boiling them over.”
“The glass retort was carefully positioned over the flame to ensure the liquid reached the desired temperature without cracking the delicate glassware.”
Examples
simple
“The student used a retort to heat the chemical solution.”
contextual
“In the chemistry lab, the retort is essential for heating small amounts of liquid without boiling them over.”
complex
“The glass retort was carefully positioned over the flame to ensure the liquid reached the desired temperature without cracking the delicate glassware.”
Real-World Examples
“When Lily thinks she’s improving, her teacher retorts: “you have always sounded like an idiot.” “Her retort was swift and pointed: “Oh no.” Etymology
From Middle English retorte, from Latin retortus, from retorquēre (“to be forced to twist back”).
From French retorte.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/retort