1. A small handheld medical instrument with a light and magnifying lens used to examine the inside of the ear.
Usage: medical instrument; commonly used in routine physical examinations

Examples

• The doctor used an otoscope to check for signs of infection in the patient's ear.
• During the physical exam, the pediatrician gently inserted the otoscope to look at the child's eardrums.
• An otoscope allows physicians to visualize the ear canal and middle ear structures.
• The nurse handed the doctor an otoscope before examining the patient's ears.
• Medical students learn how to properly use an otoscope in their clinical training.