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.

2. (Zoöl.) An animal, invisible, or nearly so, to the naked eye. See Infusoria.

&fist; 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.

English
• a tiny or microscopic life form.