I. ˈspärk 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 spark ed a lively discussion
— often used with off
2. : to stir to activity : incite
spark ed her team to victory
• spark·er noun
III. noun
Etymology: perhaps from spark (I)
Date: circa 1600
1. : a foppish young man
2. : lover , beau
• spark·ish ˈspär-kish adjective
IV. verb
Date: 1787
: woo , court
• spark·er noun