candela

[kan-dee-luh]

noun Optics.

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

Origin of candela

1945–50; < Latin: candle

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for candela

Historical Examples of candela

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

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

Word Origin for candela

C20: from Latin: candle

Candela

noun

Felix. 1910–97, Mexican architect, noted for his naturalistic modern style and thin prestressed concrete roofs

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

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

candela in Medicine

candela

[kăn-dĕl′ə]

n.

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

candela in Science

candela

[kăn-dĕl′ə]

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.