candela

American  

[kan-dee-luh] / kænˈdi lə /

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 × 10 12 hertz and that has a radiant intensity of 1/683 watt/steradian: adopted in 1979 as the international standard of luminous intensity. Cd

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candela ¹ British  

/ -ˈdeɪlə, kænˈdiːlə /

noun

1. Also called: candle.   standard candle.   cd.  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 steradian

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Candela ² British  

/ kænˈdiːlə /

noun

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

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candela Scientific  

/ 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.

2. See Table at measurement See also lumen luminous flux

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Etymology

Origin of candela

1945–50; < Latin: candle

Example Sentences

It also suggested that 40,000 candela per sq m - a measure of luminance - may be an "important threshold for the experience of glare being more likely".

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

The standard unit of intensity of light is the candela, which is approximately the luminous intensity of a one common candle.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

A draft resolution to be considered at the General Conference of Weights and Measures in October includes new and improved definitions for the ampere, the mole and the candela.

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2011

"Yes, yes, Don Frederico," joyfully cried Manuel, "'Media vida es la candela; pan y vino, la otra media.'"

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern, Vol. 7 by Warner, Charles Dudley

Accipe vermes qua lucent de nocte et pone in vase vitreo continente radium solis quousque fiet aqua, et tune pone illam in lampade, et lucet sicut candela, et probatum est.

From Froude's Essays in Literature and History With Introduction by Hilaire Belloc by Belloc, Hilaire