spark

views updated Jun 11 2018

spark1 / spärk/ • n. a small fiery particle thrown off from a fire, alight in ashes, or produced by striking together two hard surfaces such as stone or metal. ∎  a light produced by a sudden disruptive electrical discharge through the air. ∎  a discharge such as this serving to ignite the explosive mixture in an internal combustion engine. ∎  a small bright object or point: there was a spark of light. ∎  a trace of a specified quality or intense feeling: a tiny spark of anger flared within her. ∎  a sense of liveliness and excitement: there was a spark between them at their first meeting.• v. 1. [intr.] emit sparks of fire or electricity: the ignition sparks as soon as the gas is turned on. ∎  produce sparks at the point where an electric circuit is interrupted. 2. [tr.] ignite: the explosion sparked a fire. ∎ fig. provide the stimulus for (a dramatic event or process): the severity of the plan sparked off street protests.PHRASES: spark out Brit., inf. completely unconscious: I think he would knock Bowe spark out.sparks fly an encounter becomes heated or lively: sparks always fly when you two get together.DERIVATIVES: spark·er n.spark·less adj.spark·y adj.spark2 archaic • n. a lively young fellow.• v. [intr.] engage in courtship.DERIVATIVES: spark·ish adj.

Spark

views updated May 23 2018

Spark ★½ 1998

Quarreling lovers Byron and Nina are stranded when their car breaks down in nowheresville. Stuck in a redneck dump while their ride is being fixed, the couple learns too many ugly local secrets. 102m/C DVD . Terrence Howard, Nicole Ari Parker, Brendan Sexton III, Sandra Ellis Lafferty, Timothy McNeil; D: Garret Williams; W: Garret Williams; C: Samuel Ameen; M: Marc Anthony Thompson.

spark

views updated Jun 08 2018

spark
A. small particle of fire OE.; vital principle XIV;

B. woman of beauty or wit XVI; elegant young man XVII; beau, lover XVIII. OE. spærca, spearca = (M)LG., MDu. sparke, of unkn. orig. The identity of group B of the senses is doubtful.
Hence vb. XIII. sparkle vb. XII (see -LE2), sb. XIV.