candle

Noun

1. A light source consisting of a wick embedded in a solid, flammable substance such as wax, tallow, or paraffin.
2. The protruding, removable portion of a filter, particularly a water filter.
3. (obsolete) A unit of luminous intensity, now replaced by the SI unit candela.
4. A fast-growing, light-colored, upward-growing shoot on a pine tree in the spring. As growth slows in summer, the shoot darkens and is no longer conspicuous.
5. (idiomatic) Indicates how high or low church something is by height on the candle.

Verb

1. (transitive) To observe the growth of an embryo inside (an egg), using a bright light source.
2. (transitive) To dry (greenware) prior to the firing cycle, setting the kiln at 200° Celsius until all water is removed from the greenware.
3. (transitive) To check (an item, such as an envelope) by holding it between a light source and the eye.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkændəl/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: candel

Inherited from Old English: candel

In summary

From Middle English candel, from Old English candel (“candle”), borrowed from Latin candēla (“candle”), from Latin candeō (“be white, bright, shining”, verb); see candid. Doublet of candela and chandelle.

Synonyms

light

lamp

taper

candela

wax

standard candle

wax light

cd

💿

up-and-under

torch

gum

ignite

illume

illuminate

illumine

irradiate

kindle

lantern

🏮

light up

lob

match

oil lamp

plug

second

2nd

seconds

tallow candle

wax candle

wax taper

grafting wax

beeswax candle

beeswax taper

beacon

Parmentiera cerifera

brighten

candlelight

candlepower

cerium

elucidate

enlighten

exemplify

fire

🔥

glim

Translations

vela

🕯️

Kerze

🕯️

bougie

🕯️

candela

🕯️

świeca

kaars

🕯️

vela

🕯️

candela

🕯️

chandelle

🅰️

κερί

mum

🕯️

شمعة

cirio

świeczka

candela