spar Hear it!

spar¹ Definition

spar (spär)

noun

any shiny, crystalline, nonmetallic mineral that cleaves easily into chips or flakes

Etymology: < MDu or MLowG, akin to OE spær(stan), gypsum, chalk

spar² Definition

spar (spär)

noun

  1. any pole, as a mast, yard, boom, or gaff, supporting or extending a sail of a ship
  2. any of the main structural beams attached to the fuselage of an airplane to support the wings

Etymology: ME sparre < ON sparri or MDu sparre < IE base *sper-, pole, rod > spear, L sparus, short spear

transitive verb sparred, spar′·ring

to equip with spars

spar³ Definition

spar (spär)

intransitive verb sparred, spar′·ring

  1. to fight with the feet and spurs: said of a fighting cock
  2. to box with jabbing or feinting movements, landing few heavy blows, as in exhibition or practice matches
  3. to wrangle or dispute

Etymology: ME sparren, prob. < MFr esparer < It sparare, to fling out the hind legs, kick < s- (< L ex-, intens.) + parare, to parry

noun

  1. a sparring match or movement
  2. a dispute

Spar Definition

☆ Spar (spär)

noun

a woman member of the U.S. Coast Guard

Etymology: < s(emper) par(atus), always prepared, L motto of the U.S. Coast Guard

spar Synonyms

spar

n.

sparring match, pugilism, fight, contest; see boxing, dispute, sport 1.

spar Synonyms

spar

v.

scrap, wrestle, exchange blows; see box 2, fight 2.

spar Usage Examples

Object

  • partner: She then went on to state her case against her sparring partner: " I was right all about her all along.
  • match: Caitlin frequently won these verbal sparring matches with Mom.
  • session: A student from " rigid rule schools " in all out sparring sessions: " You are not supposed to do that!
  • technique: A great partner for sparring techniques or target training.
  • practice: We need to ensure that we use kata techniques in our sparring practice.

Converse of object

  • thatch: Coppicing, in which thin tree stems were cut and used as thatching spars and hedging binders, still takes place.
  • have: Delicious new products in SPAR... Friday 26th August 2005 We have some fabulous new SPAR branded products being launched in stores near you!
  • make: This is very easy to make and is an essential tool for making a round spar.
  • spruce: Steel tube frames, spruce spars and ribs, covered with fabric.

Adjective modifier

  • wooden: Inside, the changes are less dramatic than expected, with a new dash that retains the trademark vertical wooden spars.
  • main: With the wing skin laid flat with the location of the spar and ribs marked, the main spar is glued into position.
  • long: CL transport BT Scottish barge RT scow gaff A long spar of wood or metal.
  • spruce: The wings had spruce spars ( either laminated or in one piece ).

Modifies a noun

  • box: His work is not simply an arrangement of reality: the transformations implied by the finest spar boxes are also present.
  • frame: Frame - Steel, open cradle, single spar frame.
  • shop: The other sometimes also called the Cumberland Cavern, is shewn by Smedley, who keeps a spar shop near the same Inn.
  • gage: This page outlines the geometrical theory underlying the spar gage and then gives guidance on construction.
  • case: Dickson, L and McCulloch, A. ( 1996 ) Pressure group politics: a profile of the brent spar case.
  • deck: They are accessed from the spar deck through a low door and down a flight of 5 or 6 stairs.

Noun used with modifier

  • wing: This meant mounting the machine gun on the top wing above the pilot's head, or out on a wing spar.