speculum

speculum definition - medical

spec·u·lum (spĕkˈyə-ləm)

noun pl. spec·u·lums or spec·u·la (-lə)
  1. A mirror or polished metal plate that is used as a reflector in optical instruments.
  2. An instrument that is used to dilate the opening of a body cavity for medical examination.

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speculum

Top left to right: nasal and ear specula

Bottom left to right: rectal and vaginal specula

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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