retrospectoscope
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A hypothetical instrument that allows diagnostic and management decisions to be made with medical hindsight.
Register: humorous, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
A distinguished private foundation, that shall be nameless, offered me a small grant if l would test out their crystal ball with its two new attachments; one of them called the retrospectoscope and the other called the prognosticator.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “retrospectoscope” mean?
A hypothetical instrument that allows diagnostic and management decisions to be made with medical hindsight.
Is “retrospectoscope” formal or informal?
retrospectoscope is generally humorous, slang.