speculum

noun

spec·​u·​lum ˈspe-kyə-ləm How to pronounce speculum (audio)
plural specula ˈspe-kyə-lə How to pronounce speculum (audio) 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 But with an option like Teal on the table, many could potentially skip the in-office speculum screening altogether. Erica Sloan, SELF, 9 May 2025 Perhaps the examiner will penetrate her with a speculum. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for speculum

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, mirror, from specere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of speculum was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Speculum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculum. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

speculum

noun
spec·​u·​lum ˈspek-yə-ləm How to pronounce speculum (audio)
plural specula -lə How to pronounce speculum (audio) 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 How to pronounce speculum (audio)
plural specula -lə How to pronounce speculum (audio) also speculums
: any of various instruments for insertion into a body passage to facilitate visual inspection or medication
a vaginal speculum
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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