candle

Meanings

Noun

• A light source consisting of a wick embedded in a solid, flammable substance such as wax, tallow, or paraffin.
• The protruding, removable portion of a filter, particularly a water filter.
• A unit of luminous intensity, now replaced by the SI unit candela.
• A fast-growing, light-colored, upward-growing shoot on a pine tree in the spring. As growth slows in summer, the shoot darkens and is no longer conspicuous.

Verb

• To observe the growth of an embryo inside (an egg), using a bright light source.
• To dry (greenware) prior to the firing cycle, setting the kiln at 200° Celsius until all water is removed from the greenware.
• To check (an item, such as an envelope) by holding it between a light source and the eye.

Origin

• From Middle English candel, from Old English candel, borrowed from Latin candēla, from Latin candeō; see candid. candela, and chandelle.