The Collaborative International Dictionary
Spermatic animalcules
Animalcule \An`i*mal"cule\, n. [As if fr. a L. animalculum, dim. of animal.]
A small animal, as a fly, spider, etc. [Obs.]
--Ray.-
(Zo["o]l.) An animal, invisible, or nearly so, to the naked eye. See Infusoria.
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].
Spermatic animalcules. See Spermatozoa.