pyrotechnics

American  

[pahy-ruh-tek-niks] / ˌpaɪ rəˈtɛk nɪks /

Also pyrotechny

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. the art of making fireworks.

   My dad's friend studied pyrotechnics and made us firecrackers for our birthdays.

2. the use of fireworks for display, military purposes, etc..

   That department is in charge of coordinating and monitoring pyrotechnics.

3. a display of fireworks.

   The breathtaking pyrotechnics were the highlight of the concert.

4. a brilliant or sensational display, such as of rhetoric or musicianship.

   His verbal pyrotechnics stunned audiences at the debate.

5. Military. ammunition containing chemicals for producing smoke or light, as for signaling, illuminating, or screening.

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pyrotechnics British  

/ ˌpaɪrəʊˈtɛknɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the art or craft of making fireworks

2. (functioning as singular or plural) a firework display

3. (functioning as singular or plural) brilliance of display, as in the performance of music

   keyboard pyrotechnics

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Other Word Forms

• pyrotechnic adjective

Etymology

Origin of pyrotechnics

First recorded in 1710–20; pyrotechnic, -ics

Example Sentences

You can sit back and watch the pyrotechnics, or you can exploit the chaos, ideally with a position that limits losses and tilts toward outsize gains.

From Barron's

Videos captured people murmuring confusedly, presuming technical difficulties, before the truth dawned on the crowd that pyrotechnics would not be forthcoming.

From Salon

Fifteen involved some form of pyrotechnics and about 13 involved acoustic foam or decorative materials.

From BBC

The canton of Geneva also announced a ban on pyrotechnics in indoor venues - days after Vaud became the first of Switzerland's 26 regions to take such a decision.

From BBC

His super-sized action hero persona dazzled Californians like the pyrotechnics in one of his Hollywood blockbusters.

From Los Angeles Times