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(), n.[OE. sparke, AS. spearca; akin to D. spark, sperk; cf. Icel. spraka to crackle, Lith. spragti, Gr. a bursting with a noise, Skr. sphrj to crackle, to thunder. Cf. Speak.] 1. A small particle of fire or ignited substance which is emitted by a body in combustion. Man is born unto trouble, as the 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 arrester, a contrivance to prevent the escape of sparks while it allows the passage of gas, -- chiefly used in the smokestack of a wood-burning locomotive. Called also spark consumer. [U.S.] Spark n.[Icel. sparkr lively, sprightly.] 1. A brisk, showy, gay man. The finest sparks and cleanest beaux. Prior. 2. A lover; a gallant; a beau. Spark v. i.To sparkle. [Obs.] Spenser. Spark v. i.To play the spark, beau, or lover. A sure sign that his master was courting, or, as it is termed, sparking, within. W. Irving. Spark v. i.(Elec.) To produce, or give off, sparks, as a dynamo at the commutator when revolving under the collecting brushes. スポンサード リンク
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