retort
     n 1: a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or
          critical one); "it brought a sharp rejoinder from the
          teacher" [syn: {rejoinder}, {return}, {riposte}, {replication},
           {comeback}, {counter}]
     2: a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by
        heat
     v : answer back [syn: {come back}, {repay}, {return}, {riposte},
          {rejoin}]
Source: WordNet® 2.0