spark Definition

spark¹
noun

1a. A tiny red-hot glowing fiery particle that jumps out from some burning material;

Thesaurus: flash, flicker, sparkle, glitter, flare, glow.
1b. A similar particle that is produced by the friction between two hard surfaces, such as metal and stone, a match and a matchbox, etc.
2a. A flash of light that is produced by a discontinuous electrical discharge flashing across a short gap between two conductors;
2b. This kind of electrical discharge, eg in the engine of a motor vehicle, etc where its function is to ignite the explosive mixture.
3. A trace, hint or glimmer.

Example: showed not a spark of recognition
4a. A small precious stone, eg a diamond or ruby;
4b. A particularly bright point in a precious stone.
5. colloq
A familiar name for an electrician, radio operator, etc.
Form: sparks

verb

intr
sparked, sparking
1. To emit sparks of fire or electricity.

Thesaurus: flash, flare, sparkle, flicker, glitter.

Derivative: sparky
adj

Idiom: sparks will fly

Trouble, angry words, etc will ensue.
Example: After the verdict sparks really began to fly

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon spærca.

Phrasal Verb: spark something off

To stimulate, provoke or start something.
Example: The film sparked off great controversy

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spark²

often ironic:
1. Someone who is lively, witty, intelligent, etc

Example: What bright spark shut the dog out all night?

Etymology: 16c: originally in the sense of ‘a beautiful witty woman'.