Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Spark?

\Spark\, v. i. (Elec.) To produce, or give off, sparks, as a dynamo at the commutator when revolving under the collecting brushes.
\Spark\, n. [OE. sparke, AS. spearca; akin to D. spark, sperk; cf. Icel. spraka to crackle, Lith. sprag["e]ti, Gr. ? a bursting with a noise, Skr. sph?rj to crackle, to thunder. Cf. {Speak}.] 1. A small particle of fire or ignited substance which is emitted by a body in combustion. Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. --Job v. 7. 2. A small, shining body, or transient light; a sparkle. 3. That which, like a spark, may be kindled into a flame, or into action; a feeble germ; an elementary principle. ``If any spark of life be yet remaining.'' --Shak. ``Small intellectual spark.'' --Macaulay. ``Vital spark of heavenly flame.'' --Pope. We have here and there a little clear light, some sparks of bright knowledge. --Locke. Bright gem instinct with music, vocal spark. --Wordsworth. {Spark arrester}, a contrivance to prevent the escape of sparks while it allows the passage of gas, -- chiefly used in the smokestack of a wood-burning locomotive. Called also {spark consumer}. [U.S.]
\Spark\, n. [Icel. sparkr lively, sprightly.] 1. A brisk, showy, gay man. The finest sparks and cleanest beaux. --Prior. 2. A lover; a gallant; a beau.
\Spark\, v. i. To sparkle. [Obs.] --Spenser.
\Spark\, v. i. To play the spark, beau, or lover. A sure sign that his master was courting, or, as it is termed, sparking, within. --W. Irwing.