Candlepower: meaning, definitions and examples
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candlepower
[ ˈkændlˌpaʊər ]
light measurement
Candlepower is a measure of luminous intensity, denoting the amount of visible light emitted by a light source in a particular direction. The term originated from the intensity of light emitted by a standardized candle, serving as a reference point for brightness. In terms of the International System of Units (SI), candlepower has largely been replaced by the candela, which is the base unit for luminous intensity. However, candlepower may still be used in specific applications concerning lighting and illumination. This measurement can be crucial in fields such as photography, stage design, and architecture.
Synonyms
brightness, light output, luminous intensity.
Examples of usage
- The flashlight has a candlepower of 1000.
- Decorative lamps often vary in candlepower.
- In stage lighting, the candlepower of each light is critical.
- The report measured the candlepower of streetlights.
Translations
Translations of the word "candlepower" in other languages:
🇵🇹 potência luminosa
🇮🇳 मोमबत्ती की शक्ति
🇩🇪 Kerzenkraft
🇮🇩 daya lilin
🇺🇦 світловий потік
🇵🇱 moc świecy
🇯🇵 キャンドルパワー
🇫🇷 puissance de la bougie
🇪🇸 potencia de la vela
🇹🇷 mum gücü
🇰🇷 양초 전력
🇸🇦 قدرة الشمعة
🇨🇿 světelný tok
🇸🇰 svetelný výkon
🇨🇳 蜡烛功率
🇸🇮 moč sveče
🇮🇸 kertiorka
🇰🇿 шамның қуаты
🇬🇪 მასალის ძალა
🇦🇿 şam gücü
🇲🇽 potencia de la vela
Etymology
The word 'candlepower' originates from the combination of 'candle' and 'power.' The term 'candle' itself comes from the Latin word 'candela,' which means 'a light or torch.' Historically, measurement of light intensity began with the use of candles as a standard, as their blue flame provided a reliable point of reference for brightness. The concept of 'power' in this context refers to the effectiveness or intensity of the light source. As the science of photometry evolved, 'candlepower' was utilized to quantify the intensity of light emitted by various sources, transitioning into more standardized units such as the 'candela' in the early 20th century. Despite the formal adoption of the SI unit, the term 'candlepower' continues to be used informally in discussions of lighting and optics, mainly within industries and practices that are traditional or that emphasize comparative brightness.