speculum
nounUK /ˈspɛk.jʊ.ləm/ · US, UK /ˈspɛk.jə.ləm/
Etymology Learned borrowing from Latin speculum.
1
Medicine, Sciences A medical instrument used during an examination to dilate an orifice.
2
A mirror, especially one used in a telescope.
3
Biology, Natural sciences, Ornithology A bright, lustrous patch of colour found on the wings of ducks and some other birds, usually situated on the distal portions of the secondary quills, and much more brilliant in the adult male than in the female.
4
A lookout place.
- Derived terms
- speculum metal
- Related terms
- speculum literature