spark
1. spark \'spa:rk\ n [ME sparke, fr. OE spearca; akin to MD sparke spark, L
spa]rgere to scatter, Gk spargan to swell 1a: a small particle of a burning
substance thrown out by a body in combust ion or remaining when combustion
is nearly completed 1b: a hot glowing particle struck from a larger mass;
esp : one hea ted by friction {produce a ~ by striking flint with steel}
2a: a luminous disruptive electrical discharge of very short duration betwe
en two conductors separated by air or other gas 2b: the discharge in a
spark plug 2c: the mechanism controlling the discharge in a spark plug 3:
SPARKLE, FLASH 4: something that sets off a sudden force 5: a latent
particle capable of growth or developing : GERM pl but sing in constr 6:
a radio operator on a ship
2. spark vb [ME sparken, fr. sparke] 1a: to throw out sparks 1b: to flash
or fall like sparks 2: to produce sparks; specif : to have the electric
ignition worki ng 3: to respond with enthusiasm 1: to set off in a burst
of activity : ACTIVATE 2: to stir to activity : INCITE - spark.er n
3. spark \'spa:r-kish\ n [perh. of Scand origin; akin to ON sparkr
sprightly] 1: a foppish young man : GALLANT 2: LOVER, BEAU - spark.ish aj
4. spark vb : WOO, COURT - spark.er n