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

Then, a speculum is used to identify the cervix.

From Salon

An exam confirmed that she needed two wolf teeth extracted and the sharp edges of some molars ground down, procedures that required propping her jaws open with a speculum.

From New York Times

Some said he used his bare hand — instead of using a speculum or gloves — during exams.

From Salon

Not many looked forward to undressing and having a speculum inserted so that a health care professional could scrape off cervical cells for testing.

From New York Times

Q: I thought it was the cervix’s point of view, because the speculum was coming toward the viewer.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• glass