SPAR

Spar is a term with several distinct meanings in different contexts. It can refer to a multinational retail brand, a nautical component, a sports practice activity, or a term from mineralogy.

In retail, Spar refers to an international group of independently owned retailers that operate supermarkets and convenience stores under the Spar brand. The network is active in many countries, with local owners running stores that typically emphasize value and convenience. The brand is part of a larger federation that coordinates branding, supplier terms, and standards while allowing local autonomy.

In nautical use, a spar is any pole used on a sailing vessel to support sails or rigging. Common types include masts, booms, yards, and gaffs. Spars are typically made of wood, metal, or composites and are engineered to resist bending and compression forces.

In sports and martial arts, to spar means to practice fighting with an opponent under controlled conditions. Sparring helps participants develop technique, timing, distancing, and reaction speed. Protective gear and agreed-upon rules are standard for safety.

In mineralogy, spar is a historical term applied to crystalline minerals with a clear or glassy appearance. It appears in names such as calc-spar (calcite) and fluor-spar (fluorite) and is used in older trade literature to describe transparent to translucent crystals.