Noun

(en noun)

A strong will, determination.

The state of being resolute.

A statement of intent, a vow

The act of discerning detail.

* {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=July-August, author= Fenella Saunders, magazine=(American Scientist)

, title= Tiny Lenses See the Big Picture , passage=The single-imaging optic of the mammalian eye offers some distinct visual advantages. Such lenses can take in photons from a wide range of angles, increasing light sensitivity. They also have high spatial resolution , resolving incoming images in minute detail.}}

(computing) The degree of fineness with which an image can be recorded or produced, often expressed as the number of pixels per unit of length (typically an inch).

(computing) The number of pixels in an image being stored or displayed.

(computing) The process of determining the meaning of a symbol or address; lookup.

name resolution

(math) The act or process of solving; solution.

the resolution of an equation

A formal statement adopted by an assembly.

(sciences) The separation of the constituent parts (of a spectrum etc).

(sciences) The degree of fineness of such a separation.

(music) Progression from dissonance to consonance; a chord to which such progression is made.

The moment in which the conflict ends and the outcome of the action is clear.

Noun

(en-noun)

(countable, obsolete) A spark.

* 1886 , , 2009, page 109,

“That?s none such an entirely bad little man, yon little man with the red head,” said Alan. “He has some spunks of decency.”

(uncountable) Touchwood; tinder.

* 1646 , (Thomas Browne), Pseudodoxia Epidemica , II.5:

Spunk , or Touch-wood prepared, might perhaps make it Russet: and some, as Beringuccio affirmeth, have promised to make it Red.

(countable, chiefly, Scotland, obsolete) A piece of tinder, sometimes impregnated with sulphur; a match.

* 1829 , Society for Relief of the Destitute Sick (Edinburgh), Report , page 7,

At present, her only means of procuring subsistence for herself and children, is by making spunks or matches, which, either she or her eldest child, a girl about six years of age, sells from door to door.

* 1843 , John Wilson, John Gibson Lockhart, William Maginn, James Hogg, The Noctes Ambrosianæ of “Blackwood” , Volume IV, page 396,

“Spunks' — '''spunks''' — '''spunks''' — who will buy my ' spunks ?” — cried an errant voice with a beseeching earnestness.

(uncountable) Courage; spirit; mettle; determination.

* 1920 August, Edward Leonard, Old Zeke?s Mule'', '' , 55,

“I reckon I?m as good as a mule,” he declared. “Maria knows what that desert is as well as we do, but she?s got more spunk' than either of us. I'm not going to let any mule show more ' spunk than me.”

* 1991 , Lindsey Hanks, (copyright Linda Chesnutt, Georgia Pierce), Long Texas Night , Zebra Books, US, page 26,

“You've got spunk', missy, I?ll have to say that for you. Maybe with your ' spunk and my good looks we can get this place in shape again.”

It was Sarah?s turn to laugh.

*

(countable, UK, Australia, New Zealand, slang) An attractive person (normally male).

* 2005 , Sue Austin, Women?s Aggressive Fantasies: A Post-Jungian Exploration of Self-Hatred, Love and Agency , Routledge, UK, page 166,

We are welcomed by 20 year old spunks , as we make a last valiant attempt with our bodies - gasp, gasp - and try to get back in shape.

(uncountable, chiefly, UK, vulgar, slang) Semen.

* 2007 , Debra Hyde, Kidnapped'', Violet Blue (editor), ''Lust: Erotic Fantasies for Women , 2010, ReadHowYouWant, page 188,

It was runny stuff and, as she felt Brain loosen his hold on the drawstrings, Cackle's spunk dripped onto the shelf of her chin.