spark plug

noun

1. a device designed to fit in each cylinder of a gasoline-powered internal-combustion engine and to produce the electric spark for igniting the mixture of gasoline and air.
2. Informal. a person who leads, inspires, or animates a group.

spark plug

noun

1. another name for sparking plug

spark plug

1. A device in the cylinder head of an internal-combustion engine that ignites the fuel mixture by means of an electric spark. Spark plugs consist of two electrodes that are separated by an insulator except at their tips. When high voltage electricity is fed to one electrode, it jumps across the gap from one tip to the other as a spark. The voltage required to generate a spark is directly proportional to the size of the gap; in a car engine it is about 18,000 volts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spark plug¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, tune-ups, oil changes and spark plug replacements are now things of the past at the South Pasadena Police Department.

From Los Angeles Times

Lizotte, meanwhile, brings a different kind of energy as the Kings’ spark plug and emotional leader, especially on the penalty kill.

From Los Angeles Times

“If I’m being completely honest, I think she could come off the bench and be a spark plug for somebody right now,” Koclanes said.

From Los Angeles Times

Said coach Mike Dulaney: “That guy is such a spark plug and plays the game so effortlessly. We got to get him to do intramural or something.”

From Los Angeles Times

Outfielder David Peralta emerged as a spark plug in the dugout, leading to his train-horn hit celebration being adopted by the entire team.

From Los Angeles Times