DictionaryretortHeating vessel
noun

retort

A vessel for heating substances in chemistry or industry.

The chemist heated the liquid in a glass retort.

Etymology

Latin retortus means bent or twisted back. The vessel is named for its bent neck, which directs vapor away from the heated contents.

More examples

  • Vapor passed through the retort's curved neck.
  • An old copper retort stood in the laboratory display.
  • The apparatus included a retort and a receiving flask.

Forms

retort · retorts

Similar words

flask
A flask is a general laboratory vessel; a retort has a neck shaped to carry off vapor.
still
A still is distilling equipment; a retort can be a vessel within such an arrangement.