from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Spark \Spark\, n. [OE. sparke, AS. spearca; akin to D. spark,
sperk; cf. Icel. spraka to crackle, Lith. sprag["e]ti, Gr. ?
a bursting with a noise, Skr. sph?rj to crackle, to thunder.
Cf. {Speak}.]
1. A small particle of fire or ignited substance which is
emitted by a body in combustion.
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Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
--Job v. 7.
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2. A small, shining body, or transient light; a sparkle.
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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.
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We have here and there a little clear light, some
sparks of bright knowledge. --Locke.
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Bright gem instinct with music, vocal spark.
--Wordsworth.
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{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.]
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