candle

Etymology

From Middle English candel, from Old English candel (“candle”), borrowed from Latin candēla (“candle”), from Latin candeō (“be white, bright, shining”, verb); see candid. Doublet of candela and chandelle.

noun

1. A light source consisting of a wick embedded in a solid, flammable substance such as wax, tallow, or paraffin.
   light a candle
   blow out the candles on the birthday cake
   snuff out the candle
2. The protruding, removable portion of a filter, particularly a water filter.
3. (obsolete) A unit of luminous intensity, now replaced by the SI unit candela.
4. (forestry) 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

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