spark1

 
Pronunciation: /spɑːk/

noun

  • 1a small fiery particle thrown off from a fire, alight in ashes, or produced by striking together two hard surfaces such as stone or metal: a log fire was sending sparks on to the rug figurative angry sparks were flashing in her eyes
  • a small flash of light produced by a sudden disruptive electrical discharge through the air: there was a spark of light
  • a discharge such as this serving to ignite the explosive mixture in an internal-combustion engine.
  • 2a small amount of a quality or intense feeling: a tiny spark of anger flared within her
  • a sense of liveliness and excitement: there was a spark between them at their first meeting
  • 3 (also Sparks) informal used as a nickname for a radio operator or an electrician, especially in the armed forces: she is the sexiest Spark that ever went to sea

verb

  • 1 [no object] emit sparks of fire or electricity: the ignition sparks as soon as the gas is turned on
  • produce sparks at the point where an electric circuit is interrupted.
  • 2 [with object] ignite: the explosion sparked a fire
  • provide the stimulus for (an event or process): the trial sparked a furious row the severity of the plan sparked off street protests

Phrases

spark out

British informal completely unconscious: I think he would knock Bowe spark out

sparks fly

an encounter becomes heated or lively: sparks always fly when you two get together

strike sparks off each other (or one another)

(of two or more people) creatively inspire each other while working on something: part of the art of opera is to strike sparks off one another

Derivatives

sparkless

adjective

Origin:

Old English spærca, spearca, of unknown origin