Adjacent Words

spark arrester definitions

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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: electrical device to reduce sparking when electrical contacts are opened or closed
2: a wire net to stop sparks from an open fireplace or smokestack [syn: spark arrester, sparker]

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

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. Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. --Job v. 7. 2. A small, shining body, or transient light; a sparkle. 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. We have here and there a little clear light, some sparks of bright knowledge. --Locke. Bright gem instinct with music, vocal spark. --Wordsworth. 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.]