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

Nearby words

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

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
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

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

candela

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

Medicine definitions for candela

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

Science definitions for candela

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.