Speculum

[spekjulәm]

Definition

(noun.) a medical instrument for dilating a bodily passage or cavity in order to examine the interior.

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

Editor: Murdoch--From WordNet

Definition

(pl. ) of Speculum

(n.) A mirror, or looking-glass; especially, a metal mirror, as in Greek and Roman archaeology.

(n.) A reflector of polished metal, especially one used in reflecting telescopes. See Speculum metal, below.

(n.) An instrument for dilating certain passages of the body, and throwing light within them, thus facilitating examination or surgical operations.

(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.

Edited by Katy

Synonyms and Synonymous

n. [L.] Mirror, looking-glass, reflector.

Checked by Bonnie

Definition

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.

Checked by Horatio