Etymology Map
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Candelabra

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a large branched candlestick

Where does the word "candelabra" come from? It comes from Latin candēlābrum, adopted directly into English (1810s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
candēlābrum
Latin · ancient
"candlestick"
a candlestick, from 'candēla', candle
2
Stage 2 of 2
candelabra
English · 1810s
"branched candlestick"
English took the Latin plural as a singular, and even gave it a new plural, 'candelabras'
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Read the full story

Candelabra’s story begins in Latin: candēlābrum meant “candlestick.” A candlestick, from 'candēla', candle. It reached English by 1810s as candelabra. English took the Latin plural as a singular, and even gave it a new plural, 'candelabras'. Today, candelabra means a large branched candlestick.