speculum

[spek-yuh-luhm]

speculum Definition

• 1. a medical instrument used for examining body cavities, especially the vagina or rectum
• 2. a mirror or reflector, especially one used in a telescope or microscope

Using speculum: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "speculum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The doctor used a speculum to examine the patient's cervix.

• Example

  The telescope's primary mirror is a large speculum.

• Example

  The microscope's objective lens is a speculum that reflects light onto the specimen.

speculum Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for speculum

• mirror
• reflector
• probe

Phrases with speculum

• nasal speculum

  a medical instrument used for examining the inside of the nose

  Example

  The doctor used a nasal speculum to examine the patient's nasal cavity.

• aural speculum

  a medical instrument used for examining the ear canal

  Example

  The doctor used an aural speculum to examine the patient's ear.

• speculum metal

  an alloy of copper and tin used for making mirrors and reflectors

  Example

  The telescope's secondary mirror is made of speculum metal.

Origins of speculum

from Latin 'specere', meaning 'to look at'

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Summary: speculum in Brief

The term 'speculum' [spek-yuh-luhm] refers to a medical instrument used for examining body cavities, especially the vagina or rectum. It can also refer to a mirror or reflector, such as those used in telescopes or microscopes. Examples include 'The doctor used a speculum to examine the patient's cervix.' and 'The microscope's objective lens is a speculum that reflects light onto the specimen.'