spars
|spars|
🇺🇸
/spɑr/
🇬🇧
/spɑː/
(spar)
support pole
Etymology
'spar' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'sparr', where 'sparr' meant 'pole' or 'beam'.
'spar' changed from Old Norse 'sparr' into Middle English (appearing as 'sparre' or similar forms) and eventually became the modern English word 'spar'.
Initially, it meant 'a pole or beam'; over time the word kept that primary sense but also developed related uses (mineral sense for clear calcite) and a verb sense 'to fight or practice fighting' (extended metaphor from thrusting/striking), giving the modern range of meanings.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'spar' — strong pole or beam such as a mast, yard, or boom on a ship; any long pole or timber used for support or rigging.
The ship's spars were snapped by the heavy seas.
Synonyms
Noun 2
plural of 'spar' — (mineral) crystals of transparent calcite (as in 'Iceland spars').
The museum displayed several Icelandic spars from the collection.
Synonyms
Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'spar' — to engage in practice fighting or boxing, often in training.
He spars with his clubmates every Saturday.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/06 17:44