sparking plug

noun

, British.

1. spark plug ( def 1 ).

sparking plug

noun

1. a device screwed into the cylinder head of an internal-combustion engine to ignite the explosive mixture by means of an electric spark which jumps across a gap between a point earthed to the body of the plug and the tip of a central insulated rod Also calledspark plug

Word History and Origins

Origin of sparking plug¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

I made sure that the oil was circulating, and cleaned the sparking-plug, but the trouble was not remedied.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a series of explosions as though the sparking plug of a motor-bicycle was playing tricks.

From Project Gutenberg

"Not at all," I replied, thinking he wanted to ask the way or borrow a sparking plug—or maybe beg a match.

From Project Gutenberg

I changed the sparking plug, hoping for better results, but in vain.

From Project Gutenberg

He called on Lowther to get down, and together the two men began to examine a sparking plug with wholly fictitious energy.

From Project Gutenberg