spec·u·lum (sp k y -lm)n. pl. spec·u·la (-l ) or spec·u·lums 1. A mirror or polished metal plate used as a reflector in optical instruments. 2. An instrument for dilating the opening of a body cavity for medical examination. 3. Zoology a. A bright, often iridescent patch of color on the wings of certain birds, especially ducks. b. A transparent spot in the wings of some butterflies or moths. [Middle English, surgical speculum, from Latin, mirror, from specere, to look at; see spek- in Indo-European roots.] |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  speculum - a mirror (especially one made of polished metal) for use in an optical instrumentmirror - polished surface that forms images by reflecting light |
| 2. | speculum - a medical instrument for dilating a bodily passage or cavity in order to examine the interior medical instrument - instrument used in the practice of medicine |
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