[ 'kandɪdeɪt , -dət ]
■ noun
1》 a person who applies for a job or is nominated for election.
2》 Brit. a person taking an examination.
3》 a person or thing suitable for or likely to receive a particular fate, treatment, or position.
Derivatives
candidacy noun
candidature noun ( Brit. ).
Origin
C17: from L. candidatus 'white-robed', from candidus 'white'; see word history at candid .