spark

English

/spɑɹk/, /spɑːk/

noun
Definitions
  • A small particle of glowing matter, either molten or on fire.
  • A short or small burst of electrical discharge.
  • A small, shining body, or transient light; a sparkle.
  • (figuratively) A small amount of something, such as an idea or romantic affection, that has the potential to become something greater, just as a spark can start a fire.
  • Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the Indomalayan genus .
  • (in plural sparks but treated as a singular) A ship's radio operator.
  • (UK) An electrician.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English sparke inherited from Old English spearca inherited from Proto-Germanic *sprakô derived from Proto-Indo-European *sperg- (sparrow, sprinkle, strew).

Origin

Proto-Indo-European

*sperg-

Gloss

sparrow, sprinkle, strew

Concept
Semantic Field

Animals

Ontological Category

Person/Thing

Kanji

Emoji

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms