candela: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “candela” mean?
The SI base 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 has a radiant intensity in that direction of 1/683 watt per steradian.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The SI base 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 has a radiant intensity in that direction of 1/683 watt per steradian.
A technical unit used in physics, photometry, and lighting engineering to measure the perceived power of light emitted by a source in a particular direction. It is the modern equivalent of the older unit 'candle'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Purely technical and scientific in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse, used exclusively in technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “candela” in a Sentence
The lamp has an intensity of X candela.It is measured in candela.One candela is defined as...The output is Y candela per square metre.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except in very specific industries like specialised lighting manufacturing.
Academic
Used in physics, engineering, and photometry textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. An average speaker would almost never encounter or use this word.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in lighting design, optical engineering, physics standards, and photometric instrumentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “candela”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “candela”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “candela”
- Using 'candela' to refer to a physical candle.
- Pronouncing it as /kænˈdɛlɑː/ (adding an 'r' sound).
- Confusing it with 'candlepower', an older, non-SI unit.
- Using it in everyday contexts to describe brightness.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While historically derived from the word 'candle', a candela is a precise scientific unit of measurement. A physical candle's brightness is variable and imprecise.
It would be highly unusual and confusing. In everyday situations, use words like 'brightness', 'light output', or simply 'very bright'.
The official SI symbol for candela is 'cd'.
It is defined using a specific frequency of green light (540 terahertz) and a fixed relationship to the watt, making it independent of any physical object like a candle.
The SI base 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 has a radiant intensity in that direction of 1/683 watt per steradian.
Candela is usually technical/scientific in register.
Candela: in British English it is pronounced /kænˈdiːlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kænˈdɛlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is purely technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a single CANDLE's flame as a basic reference for light intensity, which is what the historical 'candle' unit was based on. 'Candela' is its modern, precise, scientific successor.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHT IS A MEASURABLE FORCE (quantified intensity).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the word 'candela'?