Is retort a noun verb or adjective?
Today retort is used as both a noun and a verb, and both come from 16th- and 17th-century sources meaning “to twist or turn back.” To retort is to make a comeback, or a quick, witty answer or remark.
Is retort a transitive verb?
transitive verb To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect. transitive verb To return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility.
What does retort mean example?
Retort is defined as to reply to something, often in a witty or sarcastic way that turns the comment back to the previous speaker. An example of retort is to talk back to someone making fun of another. verb. 1.
What is the root word of retort?
retort (v.) 1550s, “make return in kind” (especially of an injury), from Old French retort and directly from Latin retortus, past participle of retorquere “turn back, twist back, throw back,” from re- “back” (see re-) + torquere “to twist” (from PIE root *terkw- “to twist”).
Does recreate have a hyphen?
Hyphenated verb “re-create” means to create again in the literal sense of making something — “He re-created his painting after it was damaged in a fire.” Re-create is pronounced “ri-kri-ait.”
What does belligerently mean?
1 : inclined to or exhibiting assertiveness, hostility, or combativeness. 2 : waging war specifically : belonging to or recognized as a state at war and protected by and subject to the laws of war.
What is the adjective of retort?
retortive. Containing, or acting as, a retort.
What is retort in chemistry?
retort, vessel used for distillation of substances that are placed inside and subjected to heat. The simple form of retort, used in some laboratories, is a glass or metal bulb having a long, curved spout through which the distillate may pass to enter a receiving vessel.
What does murderous mean in English?
Definition of murderous
1a : having the purpose or capability of murder. b : characterized by or causing murder or bloodshed. 2 : having the ability or power to overwhelm : devastating murderous heat.
Is Retortive a word?
adjective. 1Of the nature of a sharp reply or retort. 2Retaliatory, retributive.
What does the word precipitous?
Definition of precipitous
1 : precipitate sense 2. 2a : very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging in rise or fall a precipitous slope. b : having precipitous sides a precipitous gorge. c : having a very steep ascent a precipitous street.
What does breaking down mean here?
1a : to stop functioning because of breakage or wear. b : to become inoperative or ineffective : fail negotiations broke down. c : to fail in strength or vitality her health broke down. d : to succumb to mental or emotional stress broke down and cried.