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Definition: candela


A unit of measurement of the intensity of a light source, such as a light bulb. The candela rates the light source itself; however, the intensity of light radiating from that source is measured in "lumens." Part of the SI system of measurement, one ordinary wax candle generates approximately one candela (one cd). The term candela means "candle" in Latin, but the measurement was originally defined in the mid-1800s as "candlepower." See lumen, lux, nit and SI.