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

Today, women typically see a provider to receive a speculum test for the human papillomavirus (HPV) responsible for cervical cancer. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 8 Dec. 2025

The change, experts hope, will encourage more women to undergo regular screening for the cancer by giving them an alternative to a speculum exam. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 4 Dec. 2025

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

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