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Candle vs Torch - What's the difference?

candle | torch |

As nouns the difference between candle and torch

is that candle is a light source consisting of a wick embedded in a solid, flammable substance such as wax, tallow, or paraffin while torch is a stick with a flame on one end, used chiefly as a light source; a similarly shaped implement with a replaceable supply of flammable material.

As verbs the difference between candle and torch

is that candle is to observe the growth of an embryo inside an egg, using a bright light source while torch is to set fire to, especially by use of a torch (flaming stick).

candle

English

(wikipedia candle)

Noun

(en noun)
  • A light source consisting of a wick embedded in a solid, flammable substance such as wax, tallow, or paraffin.
  • The protruding, removable portion of a filter, particularly a water filter.
  • (obsolete) A unit of luminous intensity, now replaced by the SI unit candela.
  • (forestry) A fast-growing, light-colored, upward-growing shoot on a pine tree in the spring. As growth slows in summer, the shoot darkens and is no longer conspicuous.
  • Derived terms

    * ear candle * Roman candle

    Verb

    (candl)
  • (embryology) To observe the growth of an embryo inside an egg, using a bright light source.
  • (pottery) To dry greenware prior to beginning of the firing cycle, setting the kiln at 200° Celsius until all water is removed from the greenware.
  • To check an item (such as an envelope) by holding it between a light source and the eye.
  • torch

    English

    (wikipedia torch)

    Noun

    (es)
  • A stick with a flame on one end, used chiefly as a light source; a similarly shaped implement with a replaceable supply of flammable material.
  • The mob of angry villagers carried torches and pitchforks to the vampire?s castle.
  • * 1984 June–July, Frances A. Harmon, The Olympic Games - For Good and All'', '' , page 18,
  • Eleven days before the start of the Games, a flaming torch is ignited by the sun in Olympia at the ruins of the ancient Temple of Zeus.
  • * 2007 , Lee Mylne, Frommer?s Portable Australia?s Great Barrier Reef , page 87,
  • Coconut palms with white-painted trunks surround the lagoon, which is lit by flaming torches at night.
  • * 2008 April 22-28, , page 48,
  • The degradation of the torch worldwide— it had to be snuffed out more than once to protect it from protesters—even provoked angry Chinese students to mobilise “150 strong and energetic runners” to defend it in Australia, raising the spectre of violence.
  • (UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) A portable light source powered by electricity; a flashlight.
  • Ernst slipped and dropped his torch on the flagstones, shattering the bulb and plunging us into darkness.
  • * 2003 , Margo Daly, Anne Dehne, Rough Guide to Australia , page 385,
  • There are no streetlights — so you?ll need to bring a torch with you, or buy one from Joy?s Shop, if you want to venture out at night.
  • * 2006 , Marc Llewellyn, Lee Mylne, Frommer?s Australia from $60 a Day , page 365,
  • It's a good idea to bring a torch (flashlight) and maybe binoculars for wildlife spotting.
  • * 2010 , Nicholas Tailey, Simon O?Connor, Examination Medicine , Elsevier Australia, page 349,
  • Use your pocket torch and shine the light from the side to gauge the reaction to light on both sides.
  • (slang, US) An arsonist.
  • Synonyms

    * (stick with flame at one end) brand * (portable electric light) flashlight (US)

    Derived terms

    * blowtorch * carry a torch for * torchbearer * torchlight * torch runner * torch singer * torch song

    See also

    * handlamp * headlamp

    Verb

    (es)
  • To set fire to, especially by use of a torch (flaming stick).
  • Some hoodlums had torched a derelict automobile, which emitted a ghastly pall of thick, black smoke that filled the street.

    Synonyms

    * (set fire to) burn, firebomb, ignite, inflame, set ablaze