The chemist's quick reply? (6)

I believe the answer is:

retort

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'quick reply?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for retort that I've seen before include "Glass vessel used in distillation" , "Come back" , "Alembic; sharp reply" , "Quick answer - laboratory vessel" , "Make quick or angry reply" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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