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specular

[ spek-yuh-ler ]

adjective

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


specular

/ ˈspɛkjʊlə /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or having the properties of a mirror

    specular reflection

  2. of or relating to a speculum
“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


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Derived Forms

  • ˈspecularly, adverb
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Other Words From

  • specu·lar·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of specular1

1570–80; < Latin speculāris, equivalent to specul ( um ) a mirror ( spec ( ere ) to look, regard + -ulum instrumental suffix; -ule ) + -āris -ar 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of specular1

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

The regions where the specular reflections show up are bafflingly dry.

Red, somewhat slaty jasper, mixed with quartz and chalcedony, and containing specular iron ore.

Magnetite or magnetic iron ore, specular iron, and limonite are also oxides of iron.

Galena is often mistaken for other ores, specular iron ore for instance.

Does it seem cold and unhandsome, this specular survey of persons?

The pepitas occur in different forms, often adhering to micaceous specular iron.

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