spark

I UK [spɑː(r)k] / US [spɑrk] verb
Word forms "spark":
present tense I/you/we/they spark he/she/it sparks present participle sparking past tense sparked past participle sparked
*

1)

a) spark or spark off

[transitive] mainly journalism to make something happen, especially something involving violence or angry feelings

The protests were sparked by the firing of two restaurant employees.

The trial sparked off widespread rioting in London.

b) to make someone feel, think of, or remember something

Their growing reputation had sparked interest from other film-makers.

Your article sparked off happy memories for me.

2)

a) [transitive] to start a fire or explosion

A faulty electric blanket sparked a fire in one of the bedrooms.

b) [intransitive] to produce sparks

II UK [spɑː(r)k] / US [spɑrk] noun
Word forms "spark":
singular spark plural sparks

1)

a) [countable] a very small piece of burning material

A log fell, sending a shower of sparks up the chimney.

b) [countable] a flash of light caused by electricity

an electric spark

2) [singular/uncountable] the quality of being lively and original

The performance was short on spark and creativity.

3) [singular] a short feeling or expression of something

A tiny spark of anger flared within her.

4) [singular] mainly journalism something that starts a series of events or a process

The most immediate spark for unrest could come from the economy.

•

- sparks fly