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vela

[ˈvɛ.lɐ]
nounfemininepl: velas
candle; sail
1. a stick of wax or tallow with a wick, burned to produce light
She lit a candle on the birthday cake.
Ela acendeu uma vela no bolo de aniversário.
2. a piece of fabric or canvas extended on a mast to catch wind and propel a boat
The sailboat unfurled its sails to catch the wind.
O veleiro abriu suas velas para pegar o vento.
3. vigil or wake, especially a religious one held overnight
They kept vigil through the night.
Eles fizeram uma vela durante toda a noite.
Synonyms
candeiatochaspanolona

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
vela
standard usage for candle and sail
Portugal
vela
standard usage; may emphasize vigil/wake context more

Related Idioms & Phrases

vela acesa - burning candle; something actively in progress
veleiro de velas - sailboat under full sail
ficar de vela - to stay awake, to keep vigil
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