Langimage
English

candela

|can/de/la|

C1

/kænˈdiːlə/

luminous intensity

Etymology
Etymology Information

'candela' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'candēla,' where 'candēre' meant 'to shine.'

Historical Evolution

'candēla' transformed into the French word 'chandelle,' and eventually became the modern English word 'candela' through scientific terminology.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a candle,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a unit of luminous intensity.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the SI unit of luminous intensity, defined as the luminous intensity, in a given direction, of a source that emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 × 10¹² hertz and that has a radiant intensity in that direction of 1/683 watt per steradian.

The light bulb emits a luminous intensity of 5 candelas.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39