Definition of: candle

(kan′dəl) noun
1. A cylinder of tallow, wax, or other solid fat, containing a wick, to give light when burning.
2. Anything like a candle in shape or purpose.
3. Mil. A cylindrical container which, when ignited, emits a cloud of smoke or gas.
4. Physics A candela.
—to hold a candle to To compare with favorably: used in the negative.
—v.t. ·dled, ·dling
1. To test (eggs) by holding between the eye and a light, translucency indicating soundness.
2. To test (bottled wines) for clarity. [OE candel <L candela <candere shine, gleam]
—can′dler noun