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candelabrum

candelabrum

1 8.3
A branched candlestick that holds several candles
  • noun
  • /ˌkændəˈleɪbrəm/
translation icon : candelabro
  • He carefully placed the candelabrum on the mantelpiece, arranging the candles to create an inviting ambiance for the dinner party.

Examples

  • The desk has been pulled out from the wall, covered with a snowy cloth, and set for a Sabbath meal: brass candelabrum, challah under a satin cover, and two place settings.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • As the evening progressed, she admired the intricate design of the vintage candelabrum that illuminated the room with a warm glow.

  • I can give you this lovely old candelabrum for light.

  • Did you see a candelabrum in the room?

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Let's go look at the candelabrum, honey.

  • He took up a small candelabrum, and they went out.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • "My children followed me over to the mantelpiece, where Hannah had already set up the candelabrum."

    Fiction book (2001)
  • He sat behind a table centered by a baroque candelabrum with the sinuous arms of a Hindu goddess.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • The lavish dining room was beautifully adorned with a tall candelabrum at the center of the table, holding several glowing candles.

Synonyms

candlestick
vscandelabrum
20 2.5

A thing that holds one or more candles

emphasizes decorative branching and multiple candles rather than basic sockets
candelabra
vscandelabrum
7 7.4

A large candle holder with many branches used for decoration

is the same form but not necessarily large or a centerpiece
candle holder
vscandelabrum
1 1.2

An object that holds candles upright

is specifically a decorative branched form holding several lights
girandola
vscandelabrum
  • Archaic
9.9

A decorative candle holder with several branches for holding candles

is similar but does not require a mirror backing
candlestand
vscandelabrum
  • Archaic
4.2

A holder that keeps a single candle upright on a table or shelf

focuses on multi-branch decorative holders not single upright supports

How Ornate

chandelier
58 4.6
candelabra
7 7.4
candelabrum
1 8.3
candlestick
20 2.5

Surface Forms

candelabrum singular
candelabra plural
candelabrae plural

Morphology

candelabrum = candle (semi-transparent) = candle + abrum

The connection to 'candle' is clear and allows learners to infer a holder for candles, but the Latin suffix '-abrum' is not productive in modern English.

Etymology

Candelabrum comes from the Latin word candela, which means 'candle' and is the same root as English candle. So a candelabrum is simply a decorative 'candle-holder' that holds several lights.