retort retort /ˈriːˌtɔrt/

noun

1. () A quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)  ( counter , rejoinder , replication , comeback , retort , return , riposte )
   a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
    It brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher
   it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher
   
2. A vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat  ( retort )
   a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat
    The chemist placed the mixture in the retort to begin the distillation process.
   The chemist placed the mixture in the retort to begin the distillation process.
   
   

verb

1. () Answer back  ( repay , riposte , come back , rejoin , retort , return )
   answer back
     He quickly retorted to her sarcastic comment with a witty remark.
   He quickly retorted to her sarcastic comment with a witty remark.
   

 chirography chirography /kaɪˈrɑgrəfi/

noun

1. Beautiful handwriting  ( calligraphy , chirography , penmanship )
   beautiful handwriting
   
   

 gauge gauge /ˈgeɪdʒ/

noun

1. () A measuring instrument for measuring and indicating a quantity such as the thickness of wire or the amount of rain etc.  ( gage [ N. American] , gauge )
   a measuring instrument for measuring and indicating a quantity such as the thickness of wire or the amount of rain etc.
   
   
2. Diameter of a tube or gun barrel  ( bore , calibre [Canadian, British] , gauge , caliber [American] )
   diameter of a tube or gun barrel
   
   
3. The thickness of wire  ( gauge )
   the thickness of wire
   
4. The distance between the rails of a railway or between the wheels of a train  ( gauge )
   the distance between the rails of a railway or between the wheels of a train
    The gauge of a railway track determines the size and type of trains that can use it.
   The gauge of a railway track determines the size and type of trains that can use it.
   
   
5. Accepted or approved instance or example of a quantity or quality against which others are judged or measured or compared  ( gauge , standard of measurement )
   accepted or approved instance or example of a quantity or quality against which others are judged or measured or compared
   

verb

1. () Judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)  ( approximate , gauge , guess , estimate , judge )
   judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)
    I estimate this chicken to weigh three pounds
   I estimate this chicken to weigh three pounds
   
2. Mix in specific proportions  ( gauge )
   mix in specific proportions
    Gauge plaster
   gauge plaster
   
3. Adapt to a specified measurement  ( gauge )
   adapt to a specified measurement
    Gauge the instruments
   gauge the instruments
   
4. Measure precisely and against a standard  ( gauge )
   measure precisely and against a standard
    The wire is gauged
   the wire is gauged
   
5. Determine the capacity, volume, or contents of by measurement and calculation  ( gauge )
   determine the capacity, volume, or contents of by measurement and calculation
    Gauge the wine barrels
   gauge the wine barrels
   
6. Rub to a uniform size  ( gauge )
   rub to a uniform size
    Gauge bricks
   gauge bricks
   

 coniferous tree coniferous tree /kəˈnɪfərəs triː/

noun

1. Any gymnospermous tree or shrub bearing cones  ( conifer , coniferous tree )
   any gymnospermous tree or shrub bearing cones
    The conifer trees in the forest are tall and majestic
   The conifer trees in the forest are tall and majestic