spark

spark¹

—sparkless, adj. —sparklessly, adv. —sparklike, adj.

/spahrk/, n.

1. an ignited or fiery particle such as is thrown off by burning wood or produced by one hard body striking against another.

2. Also called sparkover. Elect.

a. the light produced by a sudden discontinuous discharge of electricity through air or another dielectric.

b. the discharge itself.

c. any electric arc of relatively small energy content.

d. the electric discharge produced by a spark plug in an internal-combustion engine.

3. anything that activates or stimulates; inspiration or catalyst.

4. a small amount or trace of something.

5. a trace of life or vitality.

6. sparks, (used with a sing. v.) Slang. a radio operator on a ship or aircraft.

7. (usually cap.) a member of Camp Fire, Inc., who is five years of age.

v.i.

8. to emit or produce sparks.

9. to issue as or like sparks.

10. to send forth gleams or flashes.

11. (of the ignition of an internal-combustion engine) to function correctly in producing sparks.

v.t.

12. to kindle, animate, or stimulate (interest, activity, spirit, etc.): These bright students have sparked her enthusiasm for teaching. The arrival of the piano player really sparked the party.

[bef. 900; (n.) ME; OE spearca; c. MD, MLG sparke; (v.) ME sparken; c. MD, MLG sparken]

Syn. 4. jot, bit, flicker.

spark²

—sparkish, adj. —sparkishly, adv. —sparkishness, n. —sparklike, adj.

/spahrk/, n.

1. a gay, elegant, or foppish young man.

2. a beau, lover, or suitor.

3. a woman of outstanding beauty, charm, or wit.

v.t.

4. Informal (older use). to woo; court.

v.i.

5. Informal (older use). to engage in courtship; woo.

[1565-75; fig. use of SPARK¹, or < ON sparkr quick, lively]

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