Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Animalcule
Anˊi-mal′cule
,Noun.
[As if fr. a L.
animalculum
, dim. of animal
.] 1.
A small animal, as a fly, spider, etc.
[Obs.]
Ray.
2.
(Zool.)
An animal, invisible, or nearly so, to the naked eye. See
Infusoria
. ☞ 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 Desmidiacæ
, and the siliceous Diatomaceæ
. Spermatic animalcules
. See
Spermatozoa
.Webster 1828 Edition
Animalcule
ANIMAL'CULE
,Noun.
A little animal; but appropriately, an animal whose figure cannot be discerned without the aid of a magnifying glass; such as are invisible to the naked eye.