# retort

/ˈɹiˌtɔɹt/ (US) · /ɹɪtˈɔːt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/retort
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.