egress, retraction, panache, celerity, coffer: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 21. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. egress · noun/ˈiːɡrəs/

   the act of going out or leaving a place

   The main egress from the building is clearly marked with a sign.

   Synonyms: exit, departure, way out

   Origin: from Latin 'egressus', meaning 'a going out'

2. retraction · noun/rɪˈtrækʃən/

   the act of withdrawing or retracting a statement or opinion

   The author issued a retraction of his earlier statement about the event.

   Synonyms: withdrawal, recantation, denial

   Origin: from the Latin 'retractio', meaning 'a drawing back'

3. panache · noun/pəˈnæʃ/

   dash or flamboyance in style or action

   She danced with panache, capturing everyone's attention at the party.

   Synonyms: flair, style, dash

   Origin: French, meaning 'feather' or 'plume', from the Latin 'pinnaculum', meaning 'small wing' or 'feather'

4. celerity · noun/sɪˈlɛr.ɪ.ti/

   swiftness of movement or speed

   The runners moved with great celerity to finish the race before the rain started.

   Synonyms: speed, swiftness, quickness

   Origin: from Latin 'celeritas', meaning 'swiftness', derived from 'celer', meaning 'swift'

5. coffer · noun/ˈkɔː.fɚ/

   a strongbox or chest for holding valuables

   The old man kept his gold coins in a big coffer in the attic.

   Synonyms: chest, box, safe

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'cofre' or Latin 'cophinus', meaning basket or chest