spark

spark

spark¹ [spärk]

n.

[ME sperke < OE spearca, akin to MDu sparke < IE base * sp(h)er(e)-g-, to strew, sprinkle > SPRINKLE, L spargere]

1. a glowing bit of matter, esp. one thrown off by a fire

2. any flash or sparkle of light like this

3. a tiny beginning or vestige, as of life, interest, excitement, etc.; particle or trace

4. liveliness; vivacity

5. Elec.

a) a very brief flash of light accompanying an electric discharge through air or some other insulating material, as between the electrodes of a spark plug

b) such a discharge

☆ 6. [pl., with sing. v.] Slang a ship's radio operator

vi.

1. to make or throw off sparks

2. to come forth as or like sparks

3. to produce the sparks properly: said of the spark plug in an internal combustion engine

vt.

to serve as the activating or animating influence of or in; stir up; activate [to spark interest]

sparker

n.

spark² [spärk]

n.

[ON sparkr, lively: for IE base see SPARK¹] Old-fashioned

1. a dashing, gallant young man

2. a beau or lover

vt., vi.

☆ [Old Informal] to court, woo, pet, etc.

sparker

n.