spark

/spɑrk/

/spɑk/

Other forms: sparks; sparked; sparking

A spark is a small, glowing particle that's either thrown off of a fire or that starts a fire. Your dad might tell everyone to stand back from the bonfire so they don't get burned by a spark.

Sparks are burning fragments that pop up off a fire, but they're also bright flashes, like the sparks of light reflecting off your sunglasses or electrical sparks given off by an engine. Some small thing that promises to grow larger is yet another kind of spark — you might notice a spark of anger within yourself when you see someone being treated unfairly, for example. The word spark comes from the Old English root spearca, "glowing or fiery particle thrown off."

Definitions of spark

1. noun

   a small fragment of a burning substance thrown out by burning material or by friction
   type of:

   fragment

   a piece broken off or cut off of something else
2. noun

   a momentary flash of light
   synonyms: flicker, glint

   type of:

   flash

   a sudden intense burst of radiant energy
3. noun

   a small but noticeable trace of some quality that might become stronger
   “a spark of interest”

   “a spark of decency”

   type of:

   hint, suggestion, trace

   a just detectable amount
4. noun

   merriment expressed by a brightness or gleam or animation of countenance
   synonyms: light, sparkle, twinkle

   type of:

   verve, vitality

   an energetic style

   aspect, expression, face, facial expression, look

   the feelings expressed on a person's face
5. noun

   electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
   synonyms: arc, discharge, electric arc, electric discharge

   types:

   brush discharge

   discharge between electrodes creating visible streamers of ionized particles

   Saint Elmo's fire, Saint Elmo's light, Saint Ulmo's fire, Saint Ulmo's light, St. Elmo's fire, corona, corona discharge, corposant, electric glow

   an electrical discharge accompanied by ionization of surrounding atmosphere

   flashover

   an unintended electric discharge (as over or around an insulator)

   type of:

   electrical conduction

   the passage of electricity through a conductor
6. verb

   emit or produce sparks
   “A high tension wire, brought down by a storm, can continue to spark”

   synonyms: sparkle

   type of:

   emit, give off, give out

   give off, send forth, or discharge; as of light, heat, or radiation, vapor, etc.
7. verb

   put in motion or move to act
   synonyms: activate, actuate, set off, spark off, touch off, trigger, trigger off, trip

   type of:

   initiate, pioneer

   take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of