spark Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a momentary flash of light
    glint; flicker.
  2. noun merriment expressed by a brightness or gleam or animation of countenance
    sparkle; light; twinkle.
    • he had a sparkle in his eye
    • there's a perpetual twinkle in his eyes
  3. noun electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
    discharge; arc; electric arc; electric discharge.
  4. noun a small but noticeable trace of some quality that might become stronger
    • a spark of interest
    • a spark of decency
  5. noun Scottish writer of satirical novels (born in 1918)
    Dame Muriel Spark; Muriel Spark; Muriel Sarah Spark.
  6. noun a small fragment of a burning substance thrown out by burning material or by friction
  7. verb put in motion or move to act
    activate; touch off; trigger off; actuate; set off; trigger; spark off; trip.
    • trigger a reaction
    • actuate the circuits
  8. verb emit or produce sparks
    sparkle.
    • A high tension wire, brought down by a storm, can continue to spark

WordNet

Spark noun
Etymology
OE. sparke, AS. spearca; akin to D. spark, sperk; cf. Icel. spraka to crackle, Lith. spragëti, Gr. a bursting with a noise, Skr. sphrj to crackle, to thunder. Cf. Speak.
Definitions
  1. A small particle of fire or ignited substance which is emitted by a body in combustion.
    Man is born unto trouble, as hte 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 noun
Etymology
Icel. sparkr lively, sprightly.
Definitions
  1. A brisk, showy, gay man.
    The finest sparks and cleanest beaux. Prior.
  2. A lover; a gallant; a beau.
Spark intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To sparkle. Obs. Spenser.
Spark intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. 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