candle
n. · v.-
1 wax light source (n.) A2 Elementarya stick of wax with a string (wick) in the middle that you burn to produce light.
a light source consisting of a wick embedded in a solid, flammable substance such as wax or paraffin.
ExampleShe lit a scented candle to make the living room feel more relaxing.
ExampleThe power cut forced the family to rely on a few old candles they found in the kitchen drawer.
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2 to check with light (v.) C2 Proficiency Technicalto look through something, like an egg or an envelope, by holding it up to a bright light.
to examine an object by holding it between the eye and a light source, typically to check for internal defects or contents.
ExampleThe farmer had to candle the eggs to see which ones were developing properly.
ExampleSecurity personnel may candle suspicious envelopes to determine if they contain any illicit materials without opening the seal.
UsageThis transitive verb is most commonly used in poultry farming or postal security.
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3 unit of light (n.) C2 Proficiency Archaic Technical Sciencean old way of measuring how bright a light is.
a former unit of luminous intensity, now largely superseded by the SI unit candela.
ExampleThe old lighthouse used a lamp that was equal to thousands of candles.
ExampleEarly photometric standards relied on the light emitted by a standard candle of specific composition and weight.
- candlepower
- candela
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.
- Nouncandle
- Nouncandlelight
- Nouncandlestick