On Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:17:39 -0700, Rich Grise wrote:
spark 1 (spärk) n.
- An incandescent particle, especially: 1. One thrown off from a burning substance. 2. One resulting from friction. 3. One remaining in an otherwise extinguished fire; an ember. 4. A flash of light, especially a flash produced by electric discharge. 5. A short pulse or flow of electric current. 6. A quality or feeling with latent potential; a seed or germ: the spark of genius. 7. A vital, animating, or activating factor: the spark of revolution. 8. The luminous phenomenon resulting from a disruptive discharge through an insulating material. 9. The discharge itself. 2. A glistening particle, as of metal. 3. 1. A flash of light, especially a flash produced by electric discharge. 2. A short pulse or flow of electric current. 3. A quality or feeling with latent potential; a seed or germ: the spark of genius. 4. A vital, animating, or activating factor: the spark of revolution. 5. The luminous phenomenon resulting from a disruptive discharge through an insulating material. 6. The discharge itself. 4. A trace or suggestion, as: 1. A quality or feeling with latent potential; a seed or germ: the spark of genius. 2. A vital, animating, or activating factor: the spark of revolution. 3. The luminous phenomenon resulting from a disruptive discharge through an insulating material. 4. The discharge itself. 5. sparks (used with a sing. verb) Informal A radio operator aboard a ship. 6. Electricity 1. The luminous phenomenon resulting from a disruptive discharge through an insulating material. 2. The discharge itself.
[Middle English sparke, from Old English spearca. V., from Middle English sparken, from Old English spearcian.] spark'er n.
John