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.
Definition 2024
animalcule
animalcule
English
Noun
animalcule (plural animalcules)
- (obsolete) A small animal. [16th-19th c.]
- A microscopic aquatic animal or protozoan. [from 17th c.]
- (now historical) A spermatozoon. [from 17th c.]
- 2001, David M Friedman, A Mind of its Own, Robert Hale 2009, p. 60:
- Inside the animalcules in the thickest part of the semen he saw ‘all manner of great and small vessels […].’
- 2001, David M Friedman, A Mind of its Own, Robert Hale 2009, p. 60:
Synonyms
Hyponyms
- eye animalcule
- globe animalcule
- rotifer or wheel animalcule
- paramecium or slipper animalcule
- stentor or trumpet animalcule
- peritrich or bell animalcule
- heliozoa or sun animalcule
- amoeba or proteus animalcule
Translations
microscopic animal, protozoan
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