n.
Pronunciation: ' kan-d ə - ˌ d ā t, ' ka-n ə -, -d ə t
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin candidatus, from candidatus clothed in white, from candidus white; from the white toga worn by candidates for office in ancient Rome
Date: 1600
1 a : one that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office, membership, or award <a candidate for governor> b : one likely or suited to undergo or be chosen for something specified <a candidate for surgery>
2 : a student in the process of meeting final requirements for a degree