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

This isn’t a facsimile of a woman’s wandering mind seen through a speculum by a man, but a deep recounting. —Jane Alison june 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025

Frescoes illuminate women’s daily rituals like hairstyling, while objects like a speculum, forceps and children’s toys suggest the central role of motherhood. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 June 2025

Already nervous and trembling, Wood captures the terror and claustrophobia of having your head clamped in place and one eye pried open with a speculum. —Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 16 May 2025

To get screened for cervical cancer, patients in the United States may no longer need to put their feet in those awkward stirrups, brace for the uncomfortable speculum or even take the time off from work for an in-person doctor’s appointment. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, mirror, from specere

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