Definify.com
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
examination3.
Assisting sight, as a lens or the like.
[Obs.]
Thy
Apply to well-dissected kernels; lo!
In each observe the slender threads
Of first-beginning trees.
specular
orbApply 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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Specular
SPEC'ULAR
,Adj.
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 2025
specular
specular
English
Adjective
specular (comparative more specular, superlative most specular)
- 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 [...].
- 1969, Vladimir Nabokov, Ada or Ardor, Penguin 2011, p. 14:
- (medicine) Of or relating to a speculum; conducted with the aid of a speculum.
- a specular examination
- 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.
- J. Philips
- (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.
- 1833, William Wordsworth, Hope Smiled:
Derived terms
- despecularize
- specular iron
- specularity
- specularize
- specular stone