Spark

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. [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]