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.
An`i*mal"cu*lism (&?;), n. [Cf. F. animalculisme.] (Biol.) The theory which seeks to explain certain physiological and pathological phenomena by means of animalcules.
An`i*mal"cu*list (&?;), n. [Cf. F. animalculiste.] 1. One versed in the knowledge of animalcules. Keith.