candle

¹can·dle

noun \ˈkan-d^əl\

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

Origin of CANDLE

Middle English candel, from Old English, from Latin candela, from candēre

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Household Terms

cruet, curiosity, duvet, fiasco, sham, taper, valance, whatnot

Rhymes with CANDLE

dandle, Handel, handle, sandal, scandal, vandal

²candle

transitive verb

can·dledcan·dling \ˈkan(d)-liŋ, ˈkan-d^əl-iŋ\

Definition of CANDLE

: 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-d^əl-ər\ noun

First Known Use of CANDLE

1879

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

can·dle

noun \ˈkan-d^əl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CANDLE

1

: a medicated candle or lozenge used for fumigation

2

: candela