candle

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Etymology

From Middle English candel, from Old English candel, borrowed from Latin candēla, from Latin candeō; see candid.

Pronunciation

• (America, RP) IPA: /ˈkændəl/, /ˈkændl̩/

Noun

candle (plural candles)

1. A light source consisting of a wick embedded in a solid, flammable substance such as wax, tallow, or paraffin.

   light a candle

   blow out the candles on the birthday cake

   snuff out the candle

2. The protruding, removable portion of a filter, particularly a water filter.
3. (obsolete) A unit of luminous intensity, now replaced by the SI unit candela.
4. (forestry) A fast-growing, light-colored, upward-growing shoot on a pine tree in the spring. As growth slows in summer, the shoot darkens and is no longer conspicuous.

Translations

• French: bougie, chandelle
• German: Kerze
• Italian: candela
• Portuguese: vela
• Russian: свеча́
• Spanish: vela, candela, cirio

Verb

candle (candles, present participle candling; simple past and past participle candled)

1. (embryology, transitive) To observe the growth of an embryo inside (an egg), using a bright light source.
2. (pottery, transitive) To dry (greenware) prior to the firing cycle, setting the kiln at 200° Celsius until all water is removed from the greenware.
3. (transitive) To check (an item, such as an envelope) by holding it between a light source and the eye.

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