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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Spark arrester

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.]

WordNet
spark arrester
  1. n. 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: sparker]