candela

noun

can·​de·​la kan-ˈdē-lə How to pronounce candela (audio) -ˈde- How to pronounce candela (audio)
-ˈdā-;
ˈkan-də-lə
: the base unit of luminous intensity in the International System of Units that is equal to the luminous intensity in a given direction of a source which emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 × 1012 hertz and has a radiant intensity in that direction of ¹/₆₈₃ watt per unit solid angle
abbreviation cd

called also candle

Examples of candela in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web High candela ratings indicate a more focused beam (great for cutting through fog and smoke and for the furthest reach). Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2023 These are: the meter, the kilogram, the ampere, the candela, the mole, the kelvin, and the second. Tom Vanderbilt, Harper’s Magazine , 13 Mar. 2023 Specifically, reflection from the headlamps’ housing illuminates two small areas high above the vehicle that, when measured according to federal motor vehicle safety standards, return a result of approximately 450 to 470 candela. Sebastian Blanco, Car and Driver, 5 Mar. 2022 The aluminum then ignites, creating a thunderous noise and flash of up to 184 decibels and nine million candela. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 28 Feb. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'candela.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, candle

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of candela was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near candela

Cite this Entry

“Candela.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/candela. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

candela

noun
can·​de·​la kan-ˈdē-lə How to pronounce candela (audio) -ˈdel-ə How to pronounce candela (audio)
: a unit of measurement for the intensity of light

Medical Definition

candela

noun
can·​de·​la kan-ˈdē-lə How to pronounce candela (audio) -ˈdel-ə How to pronounce candela (audio)
: the base unit of luminous intensity in the International System of Units that is equal to the luminous intensity in a given direction of a source which emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 × 1012 hertz and has a radiant intensity in that direction of ¹/₆₈₃ watt per unit solid angle
abbreviation cd

called also candle

More from Merriam-Webster on candela

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