When referring to Computer Animation, or 3d, specularity is one of the characteristics of an object that defines how much light is reflected in the form of a shine. In almost all computer graphics it is fake, and you can tell when it doesnt actually reflect the light, when its just a bright circle. To accurately represent the speculars in computer graphics you must map the image of light onto the object by some method, may it be as a specularity image map, a reflection image map, or a combination of both.

Spec"u*lar (?), a. [L. specularis (cf., from the same root, specula a lookout, watchtower): cf. F. sp'eculaire. See Speculum.]

1.

Having the qualities of a speculum, or mirror; having a smooth, reflecting surface; as, a specular metal; a specular surface.

2. Med.

Of or pertaining to a speculum; conducted with the aid of a speculum; as, a specular examination.

3.

Assisting sight, as a lens or the like.

[Obs.]

Thy specular orb Apply to well-dissected kernels; lo! In each observe the slender threads Of first-beginning trees. J. Philips.

4.

Affording view.

[R.] "Look once more, ere we leave this specular mount."

Milton.

Specular iron. Min. See Hematite.

 

© Webster 1913.

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