n. [ As if fr. a L. animalculum, dim. of animal. ]
☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
Spermatic animalcules.
n. [ Cf. F. animalculisme. ]
n. [ Cf. F. animalculiste. ]
‖n.;
☞ Animalculæ, as if from a Latin singular animalcula, is a barbarism. [ 1913 Webster ]
(Zool.) An infusorian of the family