specular

[ spek-yuh-ler ]
/ ˈspɛk yə lər /

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).

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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

OTHER WORDS FROM specular

spec·u·lar·ly, adverb

Words nearby specular

spectroscopy, spectrum, spectrum analyser, spectrum analysis, spectrum disorder, specular, speculate, speculation, speculative, speculative fiction, speculative philosophy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for specular

British Dictionary definitions for specular

specular
/ (ˈspɛkjʊlə) /

adjective

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

Derived forms of specular

specularly, 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