The lab’s reply? (6)
I believe the answer is:
retort
This clue might be a double definition.
'the lab's' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'reply?' is the second definition.
(retorting is a kind of replying)
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for retort that I've seen before include "Witty reply" , "Reply sharply, perhaps angrily" , "Lab equipment" , "Alembic; sharp reply" , "Quick and clever or angry reply" .)