specular adjective. ['spɛkjʊlǝ] L16.
[Latin specularis, from SPECULUM. In branch II from Latin speculari spy, observe, specula watch-tower.]
I.
1. specular stone [after Latin specularis lapis], a transparent or semi-transparent substance formerly used as glass or for ornamental purposes; (a piece or flake) of mica, selenite, or talc. arch. L16.

2. Of (spiritual) vision: indirect, unclear, not immediate (with allus. to 1 Corinthians 13:12 (Vulgate) per speculum in aenigmate, (AV) 'through a glasse, darkely'). E17-E18.

3. a. Now chiefly Mineralogy. Having the reflecting property of a mirror; presenting a smooth, polished, reflective surface; of a brilliant glassy or metallic lustre. M17.
b. Designating or pertaining to reflection by a surface in which incident light is reflected as in a mirror. M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲

specular
II.

4. Of or pertaining to sight or vision. Now rare or obsolete. M17.

5. Of a hill, a tower, etc.: giving a wide or extensive view. literary. L17.
Special collocations: specular iron (ore) a grey or black variety of haematite with a bright metallic lustre. specular orb poet. the eye. specular stone: see sense 1 above.

■ specularly adverb E18.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲