| spark | 1. A small particle of fire or ignited substance which is emitted by a body in combustion. "Man is born unto trouble, as hte 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." "Small intellectual spark." "Vital spark of heavenly flame." "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. Origin: OE. Sparke, AS. Spearca; akin to D. Spark, sperk; cf. Icel. Spraka to crackle, Lith. Sprageti, Gr. A bursting with a noise, Skr. Sphrj to crackle, to thunder. Cf. Speak. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| sparkle | 1. To emit sparks; to throw off ignited or incandescent particles; to shine as if throwing off sparks; to emit flashes of light; to scintillate; to twinkle; as, the blazing wood sparkles; the stars sparkle. "A mantelet upon his shoulder hanging Bretful of rubies red, as fire sparkling." (Chaucer) 2. To manifest itself by, or as if by, emitting sparks; to glisten; to flash. "I see bright honor sparkle through your eyes." (Milton) 3. To emit little bubbles, as certain kinds of liquors; to effervesce; as, sparkling wine. Synonym: To shine, glisten, scintillate, radiate, coruscate, glitter, twinkle. Origin: See Sparkle, Spark of fire. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| sparkler | <zoology> A tiger beetle. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |