A device for producing a striking display of light, or a figure or figures in plain or colored fire, by the combustion of materials that burn in some peculiar manner, as gunpowder, sulphur, metallic filings, and various salts; also called a
pyrotechnic device. The most common feature of fireworks is a paper or pasteboard tube filled with the combustible material. A number of these tubes or cases are often combined so as to make, when kindled, a great variety of figures in fire, often variously colored. The skyrocket is a common form of
firework. The art of designing fireworks for purposes of entertainment is called
pyrotechnics. The name
firework is also given to various combustible preparations used in war.
Also: pyrotechnic device See: pyrotechnics