spark

Definition

A small particle of glowing matter, either molten or on fire, resulting from an electrical surge or excessive heat created by friction.

Etymology

From Middle English sparke, sperke, from Old English spearca, from Proto-West Germanic *sparkō (compare Saterland Frisian Spoorke, West Frisian spark, Dutch spark, German Low German Sparke, German Sparke), perhaps from Proto-Germanic *sparkaz (“lively, energetic”), from Proto-Indo-European *sperg- (“to strew, sprinkle”) (compare Breton erc’h (“snow”), Latin spargō (“to scatter, spread”), sparsus (“scattered”), Lithuanian sprógti (“to germinate”), Ancient Greek σπαργάω (spargáō, “to swell”), Avestan 𐬟𐬭𐬀𐬯𐬞𐬀𐬭𐬈𐬔𐬀 (frasparega, “branch, twig”), Sanskrit पर्जन्य (parjanya, “rain, rain god”)).

Example Sentences

• "if any spark of life be yet remaining"
• ", Book IV, Chapter XVII But though we have, here and there, a little of this clear light, some sparks of bright knowledge"
• "When the latter disk showed some sparks, Moman contacted MGM's Jim Vienneau, who picked up the waxing for national release."