meter-candle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Rare Technical Term)Exclusively Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “meter-candle” mean?
A unit of illuminance (light intensity) equal to one lumen per square meter.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of illuminance (light intensity) equal to one lumen per square meter.
In scientific and technical contexts, it is the specific name for the lux (lx), the SI derived unit of illuminance, used to measure the amount of light falling on a surface.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No meaningful difference in usage; the term is equally obsolete and technical in both varieties. The spelling 'metre-candle' would be expected in British English.
Connotations
Suggests an older or more foundational physics/engineering text. Using 'lux' is more modern and standard.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in both varieties. 'Lux' is the universal standard term.
Grammar
How to Use “meter-candle” in a Sentence
The illuminance is [NUMBER] meter-candles.It measures [NUMBER] meter-candles.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meter-candle” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metre-candle value was recorded.
- A metre-candle standard is obsolete.
American English
- The meter-candle reading was taken.
- A meter-candle measurement is archaic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or highly specialised physics/optics contexts. Modern papers use 'lux'.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary domain, but even here 'lux' is strongly preferred. May appear in legacy documentation or educational material explaining the concept.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meter-candle”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meter-candle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meter-candle”
- Using it in non-technical writing.
- Confusing it with 'candela', which is a unit of luminous intensity (the power of the light source), not illuminance (light received).
- Hyphenating inconsistently (meter candle, meter-candle).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, exactly. One meter-candle is definitively equal to one lux. 'Lux' is the modern, standard SI term.
Almost never. You might find it in very old physics textbooks, technical standards, or historical documents related to lighting and photography.
It originates from the concept of the illuminance produced by a standard candle at a distance of one meter. 'Meter' denotes the distance, and 'candle' denotes the light source.
Always use 'lux'. 'Meter-candle' is obsolete and using it may confuse readers or suggest your information is outdated.
A unit of illuminance (light intensity) equal to one lumen per square meter.
Meter-candle is usually exclusively technical/scientific in register.
Meter-candle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmiːtə ˌkændl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmiːtɚ ˌkændl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a single candle lighting up exactly one square meter of a surface – that's one 'meter-candle' of light.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHT IS A QUANTIFIABLE COVERING (illuminance covers a surface to a measurable depth).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'meter-candle' a direct synonym for in the SI system?