Specular

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Specular \Spec"u*lar\, a. [L. specularis (cf., from the same
     root, specula a lookout, watchtower): cf. F. sp['e]culaire.
     See {Speculum}.]
     1. Having the qualities of a speculum, or mirror; having a
        smooth, reflecting surface; as, a specular metal; a
        specular surface.


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     2. (Med.) Of or pertaining to a speculum; conducted with the
        aid of a speculum; as, a specular examination.
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     3. Assisting sight, as a lens or the like. [Obs.]
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              Thy specular orb
              Apply to well-dissected kernels; lo!
              In each observe the slender threads
              Of first-beginning trees.             --J. Philips.
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     4. Affording view. [R.] "Look once more, ere we leave this
        specular mount." --Milton.
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     {Specular iron}. (Min.) See {Hematite}.
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From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  specular
       adj : capable of reflecting light like a mirror; "mirrorlike
             surface of the lake"; "a specular metal" [syn: {mirrorlike}]