An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. A cylinder or block of wax, tallow, or other fatty substance with a central wick, which is burned to produce light.
   

2. A unit of luminous intensity, superseded by the → candela.

Etymology (EN): M.E., O.E. candel, from L. candela “a light, torch,” from candere “to shine,” candidus “shining white” (E. candidate); cf. Skt. cand- “to shine, to glow,” candati “shines,” candra- “shining, glowing, the Moon;” Gk. kandaros “coal;” PIE base *kand- “to glow, to shine.”

Etymology (PE): Šam’, loan from Ar.