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.
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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].
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Spermatic animalcules. See Spermatozoa.
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