Candle

//ˈkændl̩// noun, verb

Definitions

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

    "light a candle"

  2. 2
    stick of wax with a wick in the middle wordnet
  3. 3
    The protruding, removable portion of a filter, particularly a water filter.
  4. 4
    the basic unit of luminous intensity adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites; equal to 1/60 of the luminous intensity per square centimeter of a black body radiating at the temperature of 2,046 degrees Kelvin wordnet
  5. 5
    A unit of luminous intensity, now replaced by the SI unit candela. obsolete
Show 2 more definitions
  1. 6
    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.
  2. 7
    Indicates how high or low church something is by height on the candle. idiomatic

    "That vicar used to be an evangelical, but she's crept up the candle in recent years."

Verb
  1. 1
    To observe the growth of an embryo inside (an egg), using a bright light source. transitive
  2. 2
    examine eggs for freshness by holding them against a light wordnet
  3. 3
    To dry (greenware) prior to the firing cycle, setting the kiln at 200° Celsius until all water is removed from the greenware. transitive
  4. 4
    To check (an item, such as an envelope) by holding it between a light source and the eye. transitive

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English candel, from Old English candel (“candle”), borrowed from Latin candēla (“candle”), from Latin candeō (“be white, bright, shining”, verb); see candid. Doublet of candela and chandelle.

Etymology 2

From Middle English candel, from Old English candel (“candle”), borrowed from Latin candēla (“candle”), from Latin candeō (“be white, bright, shining”, verb); see candid. Doublet of candela and chandelle.

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