noun

1. a glowing bit of matter, esp. one thrown off by a fire
2. any flash or sparkle of light like this
3. a tiny beginning or vestige, as of life, interest, excitement, etc.; particle or trace
4. liveliness; vivacity
5. Elec.
   1. a very brief flash of light accompanying an electric discharge through air or some other insulating material, as between the electrodes of a spark plug
   2. such a discharge
6. ☆ Slang a ship's radio operator

Etymology: ME sperke < OE spearca, akin to MDu sparke < IE base *sp(h)er(e)-g-, to strew, sprinkle > sprinkle, L spargere

intransitive verb

1. to make or throw off sparks
2. to come forth as or like sparks
3. to produce the sparks properly: said of the spark plug in an internal combustion engine

transitive verb