1. a unit of measurement for the brightness or intensity of light
Usage: technical; often replaced by modern units like lumens

Examples

• The flashlight has a candlepower rating of 50.
• Old streetlights were measured in candlepower.
• The searchlight’s candlepower made it visible for miles.
• Scientists now prefer lumens over candlepower for measuring light.
• The lighthouse beacon had tremendous candlepower.
• Car headlights are sometimes still rated in candlepower.