Definition of pyrotechnics
- verbal pyrotechnics
- keyboard pyrotechnics
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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.
1729
: a bright display of fireworks
: a very impressive show or display that requires great skill
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
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