étincelle

/etɛ̃sɛl/

nounfeminine

spark (small particle of glowing or burning material produced by fire or impact)

Une étincelle a jailli du foyer et a mis le papier en flammes.

A spark flew out of the fireplace and set the paper on fire.

nounfeminine

spark (a small event or moment that ignites feelings, action, or a larger conflict); trigger

Il a suffi d'une étincelle pour que la dispute éclate.

It only took a spark for the argument to erupt.

Synonyms:déclic, élément déclencheur