n. [ OE. sparke, AS. spearca; akin to D. spark, sperk; cf. Icel. spraka to crackle, Lith. spragëti, Gr. &unr_; a bursting with a noise, Skr. sph&unr_;rj to crackle, to thunder. Cf. Speak. ] 1. A small particle of fire or ignited substance which is emitted by a body in combustion. [ 1913 Webster ] Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Job v. 7. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A small, shining body, or transient light; a sparkle. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] We have here and there a little clear light, some sparks of bright knowledge. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ] Bright gem instinct with music, vocal spark. Wordsworth. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
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