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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. 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 name is also
given to various combustible preparations used in war. |