speculum

• Sustantivo que designa un espejo, generalmente de metal pulido, usado en instrumentos ópticos, o un instrumento médico que sirve para dilatar un conducto o cavidad del cuerpo con el fin de examinarlo internamente.

A noun referring to a mirror, typically made of polished metal, used in optical instruments, or a medical instrument designed to dilate a bodily passage or cavity for internal examination.

1. Optical mirrorC1formalscientific

   A reflective surface, typically made of polished metal, used in optical instruments such as telescopes or microscopes.

   Espejo óptico

   • The telescope's speculum was carefully polished to improve its reflectivity.
   • Early astronomers used a speculum to focus light in their instruments.
   • The speculum in the microscope needed regular cleaning to maintain clarity.

   Sinónimosmirrorreflector

2. Medical instrumentB2formalmedical

   A tool used by doctors to widen a body opening or cavity so that the inside can be examined.

   Espéculo (instrumento médico)

   • The doctor used a speculum to examine the patient's ear canal.
   • A nasal speculum helps visualize the inside of the nostrils.
   • The gynecologist inserted a speculum for the pelvic exam.