candela

noun

can·​de·​la kan-ˈdē-lə  -ˈde- 

-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

Word History

Etymology

Latin, candle

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

candela

noun

can·​de·​la kan-ˈdē-lə  -ˈdel-ə 

: a unit of measurement for the intensity of light

Medical Definition

candela

noun

can·​de·​la kan-ˈdē-lə  -ˈdel-ə 

: 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