spark

I. noun Etymology: Middle English sparke, from Old English spearca; akin to Middle Dutch sparke spark and perhaps to Latin spargere to scatter Date: before 12th century 1. a. a small particle of a burning substance thrown out by a body in combustion or remaining when combustion is nearly completed b. a hot glowing particle struck from a larger mass; especially one heated by friction 2. a. a luminous disruptive electrical discharge of very short duration between two conductors separated by a gas (as air) b. the discharge in a spark plug c. the mechanism controlling the discharge in a spark plug 3. sparkle, flash 4. something that sets off a sudden force <

provided the spark that helped the team to rally

> 5. a latent particle capable of growth or developing ; germ <

still retains a spark of decency

> 6. plural but singular in construction a radio operator on a ship II. verb Date: 13th century intransitive verb 1. a. to throw out sparks b. to flash or fall like sparks 2. to produce sparks; specifically to have the electric ignition working 3. to respond with enthusiasm transitive verb 1. to set off in a burst of activity ; activate <

the question sparked a lively discussion

> — often used with off 2. to stir to activity ; incite <

sparked her team to victory

> • sparker noun III. noun Etymology: perhaps from 1spark Date: circa 1600 1. a foppish young man 2. lover, beau • sparkish adjective IV. verb Date: 1787 woo, court • sparker noun