standard candle
1
9.5
- noun
- /ˈstændərd ˈkændl/
- Specialized
:
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- brightness of a standard candle
- standard candle—an object
- standard candle is a type
Examples
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So it all rests on this little point embedded inside the standard candle method, which will be discussed at great length.
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In other words, what is the brightness of standard sources, standard candles as a function of their redshift?
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The objects associated with this type of supernovae are considered to be standard candles, which can be used to measure long distances in the universe with high accuracy.
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They were in the Milky Way and that gave you a candle, a standard candle to work with the Cepheid variables.
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Astronomers use type Ia supernovae as standard candles to measure the distance to galaxies.
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A standard candle is crucial in astronomy for determining how far away celestial objects are.
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Using a standard candle, researchers can accurately gauge distances in the universe.
Synonyms
23
8.8
An old unit for measuring how bright a light is
1
7.4
A measure of how bright a light is based on one candle
1
9.9
A measure of how bright a light is in one direction
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6.5
A unit used to measure the brightness of a light source
A unit for measuring how bright a light is, using a candle as the standard
A former unit for how bright a light is, replaced by the candela
A unit for measuring how bright a light appears in one direction
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines 'standard' (a benchmark) with 'candle' (a source of light), so a B1 learner who knows both words could reasonably infer it refers to a reference or benchmark light source. However, the technical metrological meaning (a specific historical unit with a precise definition and numeric value) is specialized information not predictable from the constituents alone, so full comprehension requires prior exposure.
Etymology
Standard candle comes from the simple idea of using one steady candle as a fixed light that people could use to measure and compare how bright other lights were. That's why it means 'a fixed light used as a unit for measuring brightness'.