sparking plug

American  

noun

British.

1. spark plug.

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sparking plug British  

noun

1. Also called: spark plug.  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

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Etymology

Origin of sparking plug

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

It is distinguishable, incidentally, by the passage formed through the center of each induction pipe for the sparking plug in the center cylinder of each block of three.

From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred

Each author, without one exception to bring balm to my heart, wrote liltingly and sprightly a story of some particular make of motor-car that seemed to control the sparking plug of his genius.

From Roads of Destiny by Henry, O.

The explosion of the mixture was brought about by a sparking plug connected with a small electric battery, the sparking being controlled by a cam on the shaft.

From King of the Air Or, To Morocco on an Aeroplane by Strang, Herbert

But to think of that chap, nearly thirteen thousand feet in the air, actually talking to us down on the earth while he was wrestling with a battery or sparking plug, or something!

From Aliens by McFee, William

The disguise would certainly deceive one's nearest relations, but as likely as not one's dog would come up and give the whole show away by licking the sparking plug.

From Mr. Punch Awheel The Humours of Motoring and Cycling by Hammerton, John Alexander, Sir