from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Animalcule \An`i*mal"cule\, n. [As if fr. a L. animalculum, dim.
of animal.]
1. A small animal, as a fly, spider, etc. [Obs.] --Ray.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Zool.) An animal, invisible, or nearly so, to the naked
eye. See {Infusoria}.
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Note: Many of the so-called animalcules have been shown to be
plants, having locomotive powers something like those
of animals. Among these are {Volvox}, the
{Desmidiac[ae]}, and the siliceous {Diatomace[ae]}.
[1913 Webster]
{Spermatic animalcules}. See {Spermatozoa}.
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