pyrotechnic

Everyday

1. To do with fireworks: «a pyrotechnic display». tree →
2. (pyrotechnics, noun) A fireworks show, or the skill of making and setting off fireworks. tree →
3. (figurative) Very brilliant, dazzling and showy, especially in music, speech or skill: «pyrotechnic guitar playing». tree →

In the lessons

In science and safety lessons pyrotechnics explain how chemicals make coloured light and bangs; in everyday life it is a fancy word for a fireworks show; in reviews it praises dazzling skill. Phrases: «pyrotechnic display», «pyrotechnic show», «verbal pyrotechnics».

Examples

• The pyrotechnic display lit up the whole bay. tree →
• Pyrotechnic experts set off the fireworks safely from a barge. tree →
• Different metals give pyrotechnic colours: copper makes blue, strontium makes red. tree →
• The guitarist's pyrotechnic solo amazed the crowd. tree →
• Only trained people should handle pyrotechnic devices. tree →
• The film ended with pyrotechnics over the castle. tree →

Note

Noun «pyrotechnics» is usually plural. From Greek «pyr» (fire), as in «pyromaniac» and «pyre». Safety: fireworks are explosives; follow the Firework Code, keep back, never go back to a lit firework.