speculum (ˈspɛkjʊləm
)
Definitions
noun
- a mirror, esp one made of polished metal for use in a telescope, etc
- medicine an instrument for dilating a bodily cavity or passage to permit examination of its interior
- a patch of distinctive colour on the wing of a bird, esp in certain ducks
Word Origin
C16: from Latin: mirror, from specere to look atUsage examples
It was a speculum , a gynae tool: a hinged metal funnel that opened up the vagina for inspection.
, Night Sisters (1993)Dr. Darby was warming a speculum in the white fold of his jacket.
Globe and Mail (2004)The Earl of Rosse completed and used a 6ft speculum metal mirror in Ireland in 1848.
Times, Sunday Times (2001)A speculum is useful to hold the vaginal walls open during insertion.
, The Guide to Lesbian and Gay Parenting (1993)