retort

n 1: a reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or

critical one); "it brought a sharp rejoinder from the

teacher" [syn: {rejoinder}, {return}, {riposte}, {comeback}]

2: a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by

heat

v : answer back [syn: {come back}, {repay}, {return}, {riposte},

{rejoin}]