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

Perhaps the examiner will penetrate her with a speculum. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025

For many women, transgender men and nonbinary individuals, the option to self-collect samples could alleviate discomfort associated with traditional methods involving a speculum. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Key Takeaways Two new HPV tests allow people to collect their own samples in a healthcare facility rather than undergo a traditional test involving a speculum. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024

In May, the US Food and Drug Administration gave the greenlight for patients to have the option to collect their own vaginal samples for cervical cancer screenings instead of undergoing traditional HPV tests or Pap smears, which involve a speculum to screen for the disease. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024

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