noun pl. specula -·la (-lə) or speculums -·lums

1. 1. a mirror, esp. one of polished metal
   2. Historical such a mirror in a reflecting telescope
2. Med. an instrument for dilating a passage or cavity to facilitate its examination
3. Zool. a distinctive patch of color on the wings of certain birds, esp. ducks

Etymology: L, a mirror < specere, to look: see spy