specular

• POS: Adjective
• HYPHEN: spec=u=lar

CIDE DICTIONARY

specular, a. [L. specularis (cf., from the same root, specula a lookout, watchtower): cf. F. spéculaire. See Speculum.].

•  Having the qualities of a speculum, or mirror; having a smooth, reflecting surface; as, a specular metal; a specular surface.  [1913 Webster]
•  Of or pertaining to a speculum; conducted with the aid of a speculum; as, a specular examination.  [1913 Webster]
•  Assisting sight, as a lens or the like.  [1913 Webster]

  "Thy specular orb
  Apply to well-dissected kernels; lo!
  In each observe the slender threads
  Of first-beginning trees."  [1913 Webster]
•  Affording view.  Milton.  [1913 Webster]

Specular iron. (Min.) See Hematite.

OXFORD DICTIONARY

specular, adj.
1 of or having the nature of a speculum.
2 reflecting.

Idiom

specular iron ore lustrous haematite.

Etymology

L specularis (as SPECULUM)