firework

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The Word of the Day for July 2 is:

firework   \FYRE-werk\   noun
     1 : a device for producing a striking display by the 
combustion of explosive or flammable compositions
     2 plural : a display of fireworks
     3 plural  *a : a display of temper or intense conflict  b : 
a spectacular display

Example sentence:
     "More [divorcing] couples are considering mediation ... 
rather than hiring two lawyers who fight it out for their 
clients. The potential benefits are lower costs and  
fewer fireworks." (Mary Rowland, _The New York Times_, January 
15, 1995)

Did you know?
     The word "fireworks" burst upon the scene in the 1500s as a 
reference to military explosives (a sense that is now obsolete). 
These explosives were originally used as weapons, of course, but 
soon they were also being used in pyrotechnic displays 
celebrating victory or peace. By 1575 people were oohing and 
aahing over "fireworks shewed upon the water; the which were 
both strange and wel executed." Figurative uses have been 
popping up ever since the 1600s. In addition to the angry 
explosion sense illustrated in our example sentence, "fireworks" 
can also refer to a spectacular display of musical, visual, or 
verbal brilliance, as in "an outstanding album, bursting with 
spectacular musical fireworks."

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.