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Webster 1913 Edition


Specular

Spec′u-lar

,
Adj.
[L.
specularis
(cf., from the same root,
specula
a lookout, watchtower): cf. F.
spéculaire
. See
Speculum
.]
1.
Having the qualities of a speculum, or mirror; having a smooth, reflecting surface;
as, a
specular
metal; a
specular
surface.
2.
(Med.)
Of or pertaining to a speculum; conducted with the aid of a speculum;
as, a
specular
examination
.
3.
Assisting sight, as a lens or the like.
[Obs.]
Thy
specular
orb
Apply to well-dissected kernels; lo!
In each observe the slender threads
Of first-beginning trees.
J. Philips.
4.
Affording view.
[R.]
“Look once more, ere we leave this specular mount.”
Milton.
Specular iron
.
(Min.)

Webster 1828 Edition


Specular

SPEC'ULAR

,
Adj.
[L. specularis, from speculum, a mirror, from specio, to see.]
1.
Having the qualities of a mirror or looking glass; having a smooth reflecting surface; as a specular metal; a specular surface.
2.
Assisting sight. [Improper and not used.]
3.
Affording view.

Definition 2024


specular

specular

English

Adjective

specular (comparative more specular, superlative most specular)

  1. Pertaining to mirrors; mirror-like, reflective. [from 17th c.]
    • 1969, Vladimir Nabokov, Ada or Ardor, Penguin 2011, p. 14:
      a perfect likeness would rather suggest a specular, and hence speculatory, phenomenon [...].
  2. (medicine) Of or relating to a speculum; conducted with the aid of a speculum.
    a specular examination
  3. Assisting sight, like a lens etc.
    • J. Philips
      Thy specular orb / Apply to well-dissected kernels; lo! / In each observe the slender threads / Of first-beginning trees.
  4. (poetic) Offering an expansive view; picturesque.
    • 1833, William Wordsworth, Hope Smiled:
      Calm as the Universe, from specular towers / Of heaven contemplated by Spirits pure.
    • Milton
      Look once more, ere we leave this specular mount.

Derived terms

  • despecularize
  • specular iron
  • specularity
  • specularize
  • specular stone