Definition of speculum Speculum

spec•u•lum

We found 11 definitions of speculum from 5 different sources.

What does speculum mean?

Plural: specula

speculum - a medical instrument for dilating a bodily passage or cavity in order to examine the interior

speculum - a mirror (especially one made of polished metal) for use in an optical instrument

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speculum (Noun)
A medical instrument used during an examination to dilate an orifice.
speculum (Noun)
A mirror.

speculum (pl. )
of Speculum
speculum (n.)
A mirror, or looking-glass; especially, a metal mirror, as in Greek and Roman archaeology.
speculum (n.)
A reflector of polished metal, especially one used in reflecting telescopes. See Speculum metal, below.
speculum (n.)
An instrument for dilating certain passages of the body, and throwing light within them, thus facilitating examination or surgical operations.
speculum (n.)
A bright and lustrous patch of color found on the wings of ducks and some other birds. It is usually situated on the distal portions of the secondary quills, and is much more brilliant in the adult male than in the female.

speculum
spek′ū-lum, n. (opt.) a reflector usually made of polished metal: (surg.) an instrument for bringing into view parts otherwise hidden: an ocellus or eye-spot, the mirror of a wing: a lookout place:—pl. Spec′ula. [L.,—specĕre, to look.]