speculum
noun
spec·u·lum
ˈspe-kyə-ləm 
plural specula
ˈspe-kyə-lə
also speculums
also speculums
1
: an instrument inserted into a body passage especially to facilitate visual inspection or medication
2
: a drawing or table showing the relative positions of all the planets (as in an astrological nativity)
3
: a patch of color on the secondaries of most ducks and some other birds
Examples of speculum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Key Takeaways Two new HPV tests allow people to collect their own samples in a healthcare facility rather than undergo a traditional test involving a speculum.
—
Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024
In May, the US Food and Drug Administration gave the greenlight for patients to have the option to collect their own vaginal samples for cervical cancer screenings instead of undergoing traditional HPV tests or Pap smears, which involve a speculum to screen for the disease.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024
The company also noted that traditional exams may include people having to place their legs in medical stirrups, or doctors choosing to use speculums.
—Sony Salzman, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2024
After removing the speculum, your provider may do a digital (finger) pelvis exam.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 2 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for speculum 
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Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024
In May, the US Food and Drug Administration gave the greenlight for patients to have the option to collect their own vaginal samples for cervical cancer screenings instead of undergoing traditional HPV tests or Pap smears, which involve a speculum to screen for the disease.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024
The company also noted that traditional exams may include people having to place their legs in medical stirrups, or doctors choosing to use speculums.
—Sony Salzman, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2024
After removing the speculum, your provider may do a digital (finger) pelvis exam.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 2 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for speculum
Dictionary Entries Near speculum
Cite this Entry
“Speculum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speculum. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
speculum
noun
spec·u·lum
ˈspek-yə-ləm
plural specula
-lə
also speculums
also speculums
: an instrument that is inserted into a bodily passage in order to help in inspection or the giving of medicine
Medical Definition
speculum
noun
spec·u·lum
ˈspek-yə-ləm
plural specula
-lə
also speculums
also speculums
: any of various instruments for insertion into a body passage to facilitate visual inspection or medication
a vaginal speculum
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