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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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.
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Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
--Job v. 7.
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2. A small, shining body, or transient light; a sparkle.
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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.
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We have here and there a little clear light, some
sparks of bright knowledge. --Locke.
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Bright gem instinct with music, vocal spark.
--Wordsworth.
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{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.]
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Spark \Spark\, n. [Icel. sparkr lively, sprightly.]
1. A brisk, showy, gay man.
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The finest sparks and cleanest beaux. --Prior.
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2. A lover; a gallant; a beau.
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Spark \Spark\, v. i.
1. To sparkle. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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2. (Elec.) To produce, or give off, sparks, as a dynamo at
the commutator when revolving under the collecting
brushes.
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Spark \Spark\, v. i.
To play the spark, beau, or lover.
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A sure sign that his master was courting, or, as it is
termed, sparking, within. --W. Irwing.
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electric current \electric current\, electrical current
\electrical current\,
the movement of electrically charged particles, atoms, or
ions, through solids, liquids, gases, or free space; the term
is usually used of relatively smooth movements of electric
charge through conductors, whether constant or variable.
Sudden movements of charge are usually referred to by other
terms, such as {spark} or {lightning} or {discharge}. In
metallic conductors the electric current is usually due to
movement of electrons through the metal. The current is
measured as the rate of movement of charge per unit time, and
is counted in units of amperes. As a formal definition, the
direction of movement of electric current is considered as
the same as the direction of movement of positive charge, or
in a direction opposite to the movement of negative charge.
Electric current may move constantly in a single direction,
called {direct current} (abbreviated {DC}), or may move
alternately in one direction and then the opposite direction,
called {alternating current} (abbreviated {AC}).
[PJC]