speculum

noun

spec·​u·​lum ˈspe-kyə-ləm 

plural specula ˈspe-kyə-lə  also speculums

1

: an instrument inserted into a body passage especially to facilitate visual inspection or medication

2

: a drawing or table showing the relative positions of all the planets (as in an astrological nativity)

3

: a patch of color on the secondaries of most ducks and some other birds

Examples of speculum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What may be more compelling, though, is HPV testing using menstrual blood; currently, testing requires an in-person evaluation with a speculum which many are uncomfortable with. — Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026

For female models, those examinations include speculum and manual pelvic exams, along with breast exams. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Legislators are seeing the interest grow around menopause care, now a $20 billion industry that includes everything from herbal supplements to your own personal vaginal speculum promoted by Halle Berry. — Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 22 June 2026

For more than a century, the speculum has remained largely unchanged. — Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 16 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Medieval Latin, going back to Latin, "mirror," from specere "to see, observe" + -ulum, deverbal suffix of instruments — more at spy entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

speculum

noun

spec·​u·​lum ˈspek-yə-ləm 

plural specula -lə  also speculums

: an instrument that is inserted into a bodily passage in order to help in inspection or the giving of medicine

Medical Definition

speculum

noun

spec·​u·​lum ˈspek-yə-ləm 

plural specula -lə  also speculums

: any of various instruments for insertion into a body passage to facilitate visual inspection or medication

a vaginal speculum