Collins English-English Dictionary

spark [spɑːk]

1. 1. n a fiery particle thrown out or left by burning material or caused by the friction of two hard surfaces

2. 2. n a momentary flash of light accompanied by a sharp crackling noise, produced by a sudden electrical discharge through the air or some other insulating medium between two points

3. 3. n the electrical discharge itself

4. 4. n (as modifier)

   a spark gap

5. 5. n anything that serves to animate, kindle, or excite

6. 6. n a trace or hint

   she doesn't show a spark of interest

7. 7. n vivacity, enthusiasm, or humour

8. 8. n a small piece of diamond, as used in the cutting of glass

9. 9. vi. [intr] to give off sparks

10. 10. vi. [intr] (of the sparking plug or ignition system of an internal-combustion engine) to produce a spark

11. 11. vt. [tr; often foll by off] to kindle, excite, or animate

12. 12. vt. See also spark off sparks

13. 13. vt. [Etymology] Old English spearca; related to Middle Low German sparke, Middle Dutch spranke, Lettish spirgsti cinders, Latin spargere to strew

spark [spɑːk]

1. 1. n [rare] a fashionable or gallant young man

2. 2. vb [rare] to woo (a person)

3. 3. vb [Etymology] C16 (in the sense: beautiful or witty woman): perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse sparkr vivacious