English Reference
Noun

retort

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˈɹiˌtɔɹt/ UK /ɹɪtˈɔːt/ re·tort UK spelling retorted, retorting, retorts Chemistry

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.


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.

When Lily thinks she’s improving, her teacher retorts: “you have always sounded like an idiot.

The Guardian· 10 Sept 2026

Her retort was swift and pointed: “Oh no.

The Guardian· 24 Aug 2026

Etymology 1

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

Etymology 2

From French retorte.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin retortus
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated