standard candle

noun

Any astronomical object of known absolute magnitude. Its distance can then be calculated from its apparent magnitude.

Similar
candlecandelacd
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Meanings

nounstandard candle (plural standard candles)

plural standard candles

  1. astronomyAny astronomical object of known absolute magnitude. Its distance can then be calculated from its apparent magnitude.
  2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see standard, candle.

Synonyms & antonyms

nounthe basic unit of luminous intensity adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites; equal to 1/60 of the luminous intensity per square centimeter of a black body radiating at the temperature of 2,046 degrees Kelvin

Similar
candlecandelacd
Broader
luminous intensity unitcandlepower unit
Also see
candelacandlecd

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Translations

German Standardkerze
  • StandardkerzeTranslations
Polish świeca standardowa
  • świeca standardowaTranslations
Cite this entry
APA

standard candle. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/standard%20candle

MLA

“standard candle.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/standard%20candle. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “standard candle,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/standard%20candle.

Source: standard candle on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.