First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1candle
noun can·dle \ˈkan-dəl\
: wax that has been formed into a stick or another shape and has a string in the middle that can be burned
Full Definition of CANDLE
1
: a usually molded or dipped mass of wax or tallow containing a wick that may be burned (as to give light, heat, or scent or for celebration or votive purposes)
2
: something resembling a candle in shape or use <a sulfur candle for fumigating>
3
: required effort, expense, or trouble —usually used in the phrase not worth the candle
4
: candela
See candle defined for English-language learners
See candle defined for kids
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Origin of CANDLE
Middle English candel, from Old English, from Latin candela, from candēre
2candle
verb
can·dledcan·dling \ˈkan(d)-liŋ, ˈkan-dəl-iŋ\
Definition of CANDLE
transitive verb
: to examine by holding between the eye and a light; especially : to test (eggs) in this way for staleness, blood clots, fertility, and growth
— can·dler \ˈkan(d)-lər, ˈkan-dəl-ər\ noun
First Known Use of CANDLE
1879
CANDLE Defined for Kids
1candle
noun can·dle \ˈkan-dəl\
Definition of CANDLE for Kids
: a stick of tallow or wax containing a wick and burned to give light
2candle
verb
can·dledcan·dling
Definition of CANDLE for Kids
: to examine (an egg) by holding between the eye and a light
— can·dler noun
Medical Dictionary
candle
noun can·dle \ˈkan-dəl\
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