specular

[spek-yuh-ler]

adjective

pertaining to or having the properties of a mirror.
pertaining to a speculum.
Optics. (of reflected light) directed, as from a smooth, polished surface (opposed to diffuse).

Origin of specular

1570–80; < Latin speculāris, equivalent to specul(um) a mirror (spec(ere) to look, regard + -ulum instrumental suffix; see -ule) + -āris -ar¹

Related formsspec·u·lar·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for specular

Historical Examples of specular

That done he will choose a specular point himself and keep a sharp look-out.
The Sportsman
Xenophon
Galena is often mistaken for other ores, specular iron ore for instance.
The A B C of Mining
Charles A. Bramble
Does it seem cold and unhandsome, this specular survey of persons?
Tablets
Amos Bronson Alcott
Magnetite or magnetic iron ore, specular iron, and limonite are also oxides of iron.
Geology
James Geikie
According to Campbell-Swinton the “diffuse” reflection is accompanied by a certain amount of “specular” reflection.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 8
Various

British Dictionary definitions for specular

specular

adjective

of, relating to, or having the properties of a mirrorspecular reflection
of or relating to a speculum

Derived Formsspecularly, adverb

Word Origin for specular

C16: from Latin speculāris, from speculum a mirror, from specere to look at

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for specular

adj.

1570s, of mirrors and glass, from Latin specularis, from speculum (see speculum). Of sight or vision, from 1650s, from Latin speculari "to spy" (see speculation).