Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
CRACKLE
I. verb (crackled; crackling)
Etymology: frequentative of 1crack
Date: circa 1560
intransitive verb
1. to make small sharp sudden repeated noises , to show animation ; sparkle , craze 3, transitive verb to crush or crack with snapping noises, cracklingly adverb
II. noun
Date: 1833
1. the noise of repeated small cracks or reports, sparkle , effervescence, a network of fine cracks on an otherwise smooth surface