speculum

[ spek-yuh-luhm ]

noun

, plural spec·u·la [spek, -y, uh, -l, uh], spec·u·lums.

1. a mirror or reflector, especially one of polished metal, as on a reflecting telescope.
2. speculum metal.
3. Surgery. an instrument for rendering a part accessible to observation, as by enlarging an orifice.
4. Ornithology. a lustrous or specially colored area on the wings of certain birds.

speculum

/ ˈspɛkjʊləm /

noun

1. a mirror, esp one made of polished metal for use in a telescope, etc
2. med an instrument for dilating a bodily cavity or passage to permit examination of its interior
3. a patch of distinctive colour on the wing of a bird, esp in certain ducks

Word History and Origins

Origin of speculum¹

1590–1600; < Latin: mirror, equivalent to spec ( ere ) to look, behold + -ulum instrumental suffix; -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of speculum¹

C16: from Latin: mirror, from specere to look at

Example Sentences

Videmus nunc per speculum in nigmate, tunc autem facie ad faciem.

From Project Gutenberg

The speculum is gray; bill, bluish with a pale blue band across it about a half inch from the end.

From Project Gutenberg

The general color is buff, mottled with brown; wing-coverts and speculum, same as the male.

From Project Gutenberg

The lesser scaup, or little blue-bill (Aythya affinis) has a white speculum also, but the sheen of the head and neck is purple.

From Project Gutenberg

The Daily Speculum rose to a million a day on the strength of its photographs of bridal-parties alone.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• glass