Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

            Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
                                                  --Job v. 7.

   2. A small, shining body, or transient light; a sparkle.

   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.

            We have here and there a little clear light, some
            sparks of bright knowledge.           --Locke.

            Bright gem instinct with music, vocal spark.
                                                  --Wordsworth.

   {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.]