Candelabrum
/ˌkændəˈleɪbrəm/noun
A large branched candlestick or holder for several candles.
Did you know?In Latin, candelabrum was a real household and ceremonial object, so the word carried both practical light and sacred display long before modern décor.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kand-
“to shine, glow”
Latin
Latin
candēla
“a candle, taper, or light source”
Latin
Latin
candelabrum
“a candlestick or lampstand for holding candles or lights”
Late Latin
Latin
candelabrum
“a lampstand used in churches and homes”
Middle English
English
candelabre
“a candlestick or ornamental light stand”
Modern English
English
candelabrum
“a branched candlestick or ornamental stand for lights”
Explore more surprising origins