pyrotechnic

/ˈpaɪroʊˌtɛknɪk/

Other forms: pyrotechnics; pyrotechnically

Something that's pyrotechnic has to do with fireworks. Many Americans watch pyrotechnic displays on the Fourth of July.

You can use the adjective pyrotechnic to talk about fireworks, including making them or watching them. You can also use it to describe things that look like fireworks, like pyrotechnic sparkles of sunlight through a prism, or pyrotechnic sparks in your backyard fire pit as you throw pine branches on the blaze. Pyrotechnic first meant "of fire," from the Greek pyro, "fire," and tekhnikos, "made by art."

Definitions of pyrotechnic

1. adjective

   of or relating to the craft of making fireworks
   “pyrotechnic smokes”

   synonyms: pyrotechnical
2. adjective

   suggestive of fireworks
   “pyrotechnic keyboard virtuosity”

   “a pyrotechnic wit”

   synonyms:

   extraordinary

   beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
3. noun

   (usually plural) a device with an explosive that burns at a low rate and with colored flames; can be used to illuminate areas or send signals etc.
   synonyms: firework

   types:

   catherine wheel, pinwheel

   a circular firework that spins round and round emitting colored fire

   banger, cracker, firecracker

   firework consisting of a small explosive charge and fuse in a heavy paper casing

   fizgig

   a firework that fizzes as it moves

   maroon

   an exploding firework used as a warning signal

   Roman candle

   a cylindrical firework that projects a series of colored balls of fire

   serpent

   a firework that moves in serpentine manner when ignited

   skyrocket

   sends a firework display high into the sky

   sparkler

   a firework that burns slowly and throws out a shower of sparks

   squib

   firework consisting of a tube filled with powder (as a broken firecracker) that burns with a fizzing noise

   torpedo

   a small firework that consists of a percussion cap and some gravel wrapped in paper; explodes when thrown forcefully against a hard surface

   cannon cracker

   a large firecracker

   cherry bomb

   a red ball-shaped firecracker with high explosive power

   whizbang, whizzbang

   a firecracker that (like the whizbang shell) makes a whizzing sound followed by a loud explosion

   type of:

   low explosive

   an explosive with a low rate of combustion