Definition

1. Noun:

   • A small fragment of a burning substance: A tiny, glowing particle thrown off from a fire or produced by friction.
   • A small but noticeable trace of a quality: A very small amount of something, especially a feeling or quality, that could potentially grow larger.
   • Electrical conduction through a gas: A brief flash of light caused by electricity jumping across a gap, such as in a spark plug.
   • Merriment or liveliness: A bright, lively, or intelligent quality expressed in someone's eyes or manner.

2. Verb:

   • To emit sparks: To produce small fiery or electrical particles.
   • To trigger or set in motion: To be the immediate cause of an event or reaction; to activate.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • A spark from the campfire landed on the blanket.
  • Her encouragement gave him a spark of hope.
  • The mechanic checked for a spark from the ignition coil.
  • He spoke with a spark of mischief in his eyes.

• Verb:

  • The faulty wiring caused the outlet to spark dangerously.
  • The protest sparked a nationwide debate on the issue.

Advanced Usage

• "A spark of genius": A small but evident sign of exceptional intelligence or creativity.

  • The rough sketch showed a spark of genius.

• "To strike sparks": To cause a lively reaction, especially in conversation or ideas.

  • Their debate struck sparks, leading to a brilliant new theory.

Variants and Related Words

• Sparkle (verb/noun): To shine with bright points of light; liveliness or brilliance.
  • Her diamond necklace sparkled under the lights.
• Sparky (adjective): Lively and energetic.
  • He has a sparky personality.

Synonyms

• Noun: Glimmer, flicker, flash, trace, hint.
• Verb: Ignite, trigger, provoke, stimulate.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Spark off: To cause something, often something negative or energetic, to begin.
  • The controversial article sparked off a furious argument.
• Spark up: To start something, like a fire or a conversation; (informal) to light a cigarette.
  • He sparked up a conversation with a stranger.

Related Idioms

• Bright spark: (Often used sarcastically) A clever or lively person.
  • Some bright spark left the door unlocked all night.
• Spark of life: A sign of vitality or consciousness.
  • The doctors detected a faint spark of life.

Noun

1. a small fragment of a burning substance thrown out by burning material or by friction
2. Scottish writer of satirical novels (born in 1918)
3. a small but noticeable trace of some quality that might become stronger
   • a spark of interest
   • a spark of decency
4. electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
5. merriment expressed by a brightness or gleam or animation of countenance
   • he had a sparkle in his eye
   • there's a perpetual twinkle in his eyes
6. a momentary flash of light

Verb

1. emit or produce sparks
   • A high tension wire, brought down by a storm, can continue to spark
2. put in motion or move to act
   • trigger a reaction
   • actuate the circuits