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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 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 The i8’s low-beam LEDs will emit 50 candelas per square millimeter at their source, compared with 580 cd/mm2 for the laser high beams. — IEEE Spectrum, 25 Oct. 2013 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 Apple rates the Studio Display XDR's peak HDR luminance at a searing 2,000 nits (candelas per meter squared), and SDR brightness at 1,000 nits. — Tony Hoffman, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin candēla candle entry 1

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of candela was in 1949

Rhymes for candela

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Browse Nearby Words

C and D
candela
candelabra
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Candela.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/candela. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about candela

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