Specular — Spec u*lar, a. [L. specularis (cf., from the same root, specula a lookout, watchtower): cf. F. sp[ e]culaire. See {Speculum}.] 1. Having the qualities of a speculum, or mirror; having a smooth, reflecting surface; as, a specular metal; a specular … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
SPECULAR — a Speculo differt, illud enim Graece διόπτρα, per quod videtur; hoc issdem κάτοπτρον, quô videtur: illud διάφασιν, hoc ἔμφασιν facit. Et quidem Specularia dicebantur, quibus lumen in cenacula inferebatur, et Sol admittebatur in aedes, ut hodie… … Hofmann J. Lexicon universale
specular — (adj.) 1570s, of mirrors and glass, from L. specularis, from speculum (see SPECULUM (Cf. speculum)). Of sight or vision, from 1650s, from L. speculari to spy (see SPECULATION (Cf. speculation)) … Etymology dictionary
specular — [spek′yə lər] adj. [L specularis] of, like, or by means of, a speculum specularly adv … English World dictionary
specular — adjective /ˈspɛkjʊlə/ a) Pertaining to mirrors; mirror like, reflective. a perfect likeness would rather suggest a specular, and hence speculatory, phenomenon [...]. b) Pertaining to sight or vision. Calm as the Universe, from specular towers /… … Wiktionary
specular — spec·u·lar spek yə lər adj conducted with the aid of a speculum <a specular examination> … Medical dictionary
specular — adj. 1 of or having the nature of a speculum. 2 reflecting. Phrases and idioms: specular iron ore lustrous haematite. Etymology: L specularis (as SPECULUM) … Useful english dictionary
Specular highlight — Specular highlights on a pair of spheres. A specular highlight is the bright spot of light that appears on shiny objects when illuminated (for example, see image at right). Specular highlights are important in 3D computer graphics, as they… … Wikipedia
Specular reflection — is the perfect, mirror like reflection of light (or sometimes other kinds of wave) from a surface, in which light from a single incoming direction (a ray) is reflected into a single outgoing direction. Such behavior is described by the law of… … Wikipedia
Specular iron — Specular Spec u*lar, a. [L. specularis (cf., from the same root, specula a lookout, watchtower): cf. F. sp[ e]culaire. See {Speculum}.] 1. Having the qualities of a speculum, or mirror; having a smooth, reflecting surface; as, a specular metal; a … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English