Spark (?), n. [OE. sparke, AS. spearca; akin to D. spark, sperk; cf. Icel. spraka to crackle, Lith. spragëti, 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.]
© Webster 1913
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.
© Webster 1913
Spark, v. i.
To sparkle. [Obs.] Spenser.
© Webster 1913
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.
© Webster 1913
Spark, v. i. (Elec.)
To produce, or give off, sparks, as a dynamo at the commutator when revolving under the collecting brushes.
© Webster 1913