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Glite Dictionary
specular

specular

1 8.5
A shiny surface that reflects light like a mirror
  • adjective
  • /ˈspɛkjələr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : especular
  • The effect is especially noticeable when photographing objects where specular highlights are present, such as shiny metal.
  • specular reflection
  • specular highlights

Examples

  • By highlights, I'm really referring to the specular reflections of light in the water.

    Blog text (13)

  • The dynamics are completely determined by the shape of the boundary and the law of specular reflection.

    Academic text (2005)

  • And if you look in there, you see all these great specular reflections and highlights.

  • There is no need to use calibrated specular standards such as a first-surface aluminum mirror.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Furthermore, because a CRT is curved, the user will always pick up specular reflections of light sources from the first glass surface of a CRT.

    Academic text (1992)

  • The artist used a paint with a specular finish to create a striking effect on the canvas.

  • The car's specular surface gleamed under the bright sunlight, reflecting the surroundings beautifully.

  • When the sunlight hit the lake, it created specular highlights that sparkled like diamonds on the water.

Synonyms

bright
vsspecular
459 1.0

Full of strong light that makes a place easy to see

concerns sharp, image-producing reflection rather than general brightness
shiny
vsspecular
302 1.0

Bright and smooth because it reflects light

emphasizes a sharper, mirror-like return of light rather than simple gloss
glossy
vsspecular
34 2.6

Having a smooth shiny surface that reflects light like paper or hair

stresses precise, image-like reflection rather than general surface shine
reflective
vsspecular
28 4.0

A surface that sends back light, sound, or heat

limits focus to light reflection that produces clear image returns
lustrous
vsspecular
9 5.3

Shining with a soft, smooth glow like polished pearls

is about precise mirror-style reflection, not gentle radiant glow
sheeny
vsspecular
1 6.7

Having a smooth, shiny surface that reflects light

focuses more on exact, mirror-style reflection than on mere sheen
mirrorlike
vsspecular
4.5

A smooth shiny surface that shows a clear picture of things

describes light reflecting sharply from a polished surface
gleamy
vsspecular
4.2

A smooth shiny surface that reflects light

highlights clearer, more geometric reflection instead of soft gleam
glistening
vsspecular
3.4

Shining with bright light, often because it is wet or smooth

is concerned with firm, clear reflection rather than sparkly wet shine
reflecting
vsspecular
3.4

A shiny surface or device that sends back light

narrows this to light reflection that behaves like a polished reflector

How Shiny

specular
  • Specialized
1 8.5
shiny
302 1.0
glossy
34 2.6
dull
31 1.0

Surface Forms

specular positive

Morphology

specular = specul + ar

The element 'specul' is a Latin combining form (not a standalone English word) and '-ar' is a Latin adjective-former, so the components are not productive or obvious to average B1 learners and the meaning 'mirror-like' cannot be reliably derived from them.

Etymology

Specular comes from the Latin word speculum ('mirror') and the root spec- ('to look'), the same root you see in inspect and spectator. So specular means 'mirror-like' and describes a surface that reflects light like a mirror.