Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

candela

[kan-dee-luh]
noun Optics.
  1. a basic unit of luminous intensity in the International System of Units(SI), formally defined as the luminous intensity of a source that emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 × 1012 hertz and that has a radiant intensity of 1/683 watt/steradian: adopted in 1979 as the international standard of luminous intensity. Abbreviation: Cd
Show More

Origin of candela

1945–50; < Latin: candle
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for candela

Historical Examples

  • We then, guided by Candela, hurried forward on our journey, keeping a sharp look-out lest the fugitive Indians should return.

    The Young Llanero

    W.H.G. Kingston

  • Of course the padre wished to know how it was I had found Candela; so I gave him a full account of all that had happened.

    The Young Llanero

    W.H.G. Kingston

  • Candela now pushed on at a rapid rate, till we saw the light of our camp-fire a short distance off.

    The Young Llanero

    W.H.G. Kingston

  • Calling Candela, he led him some way down the valley towards a grove of trees, among which were a great variety of creepers.

    The Young Llanero

    W.H.G. Kingston

British Dictionary definitions for candela

candela

noun
  1. the basic SI unit of luminous intensity; the luminous intensity in a given direction of a source that emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 × 10 12 hertz and that has a radiant intensity in that direction of (1/683) watt per steradianSymbol: cd Also called: candle, standard candle
Show More

Word Origin

C20: from Latin: candle

Candela

noun
  1. Felix. 1910–97, Mexican architect, noted for his naturalistic modern style and thin prestressed concrete roofs
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for candela

n.

unit of luminous intensity, 1950, from Latin candela (see candle).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
candela in Medicine

candela

(kăn-dĕl′ə)
n.
  1. A unit of measurement of luminous flux, equal to the amount of light given out through a solid angle by a source of one candela radiating equally in all directions.candle
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
candela in Science

candela

[kăn-dĕl′ə]
  1. The SI unit used to measure the brightness of a source of light (its luminous intensity). By definition, one square centimeter of a blackbody at the freezing point of platinum emits one-sixtieth of a candela of radiation. See Table at measurement. See also lumen luminous flux.
Show More
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.