pyrotechnics

plural noun py·ro·tech·nics \ ˌpī-rə-ˈtek-niks \

Editor's Note: Did You Know?

Definition of pyrotechnics

1 singular or plural in construction : the art of making or the manufacture and use of fireworks

2 a : a display of fireworks

b : a spectacular display (as of extreme virtuosity)

verbal pyrotechnics

keyboard pyrotechnics

—

pyrotechnician

play \ˌpī-rə-ˌtek-ˈni-shən\ noun

—

pyrotechnist

play \ˌpī-rə-ˈtek-nist\ noun

pyrotechnics was our Word of the Day on 07/04/2018. Hear the podcast!

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Did You Know?

The use of military fireworks in elaborate celebrations of war and peace is an ancient Chinese custom, but our term for the making and launching of fireworks is a product of the 17th and 18th centuries. "Pyrotechnics" and the earlier adjective "pyrotechnic" derive via French from the Greek nouns pyr ("fire") and "techne" ("art"). In "pyr" one can see such fiery relatives as "pyromania," the term for an irresistible impulse to start fires, as well as "pyrite," the mineral also known as fool's gold, which once referred to a stone used for striking fire. Like "fireworks," "pyrotechnics" also has an extended figurative usage, referring to any kind of dazzling display or performance.

First Known Use of pyrotechnics

1729

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

pyrotechnics Synonyms

Synonyms

acrobatics, fireworks;

Related Words

extravaganza, pageant, spectacle;

PYROTECHNICS Defined for English Language Learners

pyrotechnics

noun

Definition of pyrotechnics for English Language Learners

: a bright display of fireworks
: a very impressive show or display that requires great skill

Learn More about pyrotechnics

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pyrotechnics Spanish Central: Translation of pyrotechnics Nglish: Translation of pyrotechnics for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pyrotechnics

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up pyrotechnics? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

gaffer

play

a lighting electrician on a movie set

BROWSE DICTIONARY

pyrotartaric acid

pyrotechnic

pyrotechnics

pyrotechny

pyroterebic acid

Test Your Vocabulary

The Eponym Quiz

Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games