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candela

[kan-dee-luh]
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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
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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
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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
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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).

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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
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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.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.