(n.) Gradual return to health after an illness\.

Parthian shot acknowledgment answer answering antiphon back answer back talk backchat backfire boomerang caustic remark convalescence counter counterattack counterblast counterblow counterfire counterinsurgency countermeasure counterrevolution counterstep counterstroke crack cut cutting remark defense dig dump echo evasive reply exchange fleer flout foolery gibe gibing retort give-and-take interchange jab jape jeer jest leg-pull mock parting shot put-down put-on quip rally reaction ready reply receipt reciprocation recoil recovery recuperation rejoinder repartee replication reply repost rescript rescription respondence response responsion responsory retaliation retort return reverberation riposte rude reproach scoff scurrility short answer slam slap snappy comeback swipe taunt twit verbal thrust witty reply witty retort yes-and-no answer