electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
"The high voltage caused a blue spark to jump across the gap between the electrodes, ionizing the air along its path."
a small but noticeable trace of some quality that might become stronger
"a spark of interest"
"a spark of decency"
Scottish writer of satirical novels (born in 1918)
"The reader was surprised to find out that the author of those biting satires was none other than Alexander Spark, a name often confused with the famous Scottish novelist Douglas Spalding."
a small fragment of a burning substance thrown out by burning material or by friction
"A stray spark from the fireplace landed on the rug and caught fire immediately."
A small particle of glowing matter, either molten or on fire.
"The new spark at the ball courtized every lady in attendance with his dandy attire and affected manners."
A gallant; a foppish young man.
In plain English: A spark is a tiny, brief flash of light caused by something burning or electricity jumping between two points.
"The small spark from his lighter ignited the dry leaves on the ground."
Usage: Use "spark" as a noun for a tiny burning particle that ignites something larger, such as in fire safety warnings. As a verb, it describes triggering an event like an argument rather than physically lighting a flame directly.
To trigger, kindle into activity (an argument, etc).
"He tried to spark her interest by buying flowers and arranging a surprise dinner."
To woo, court; to act the gallant or beau.
In plain English: To spark something is to start it happening suddenly, often by giving someone an idea or causing them to feel excited about doing it.
"The small comment sparked an argument between the two friends."
A surname.
"The Spark family has lived in this neighborhood for three generations."
The word spark comes from the Old English spearca and originally meant a small piece of fire or something that causes ignition. It traveled into modern usage through Middle English without changing its core meaning related to light or energy.