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{"word":"animalcule","definition":"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. 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 Desmidiacæ, and the siliceous Diatomaceæ. Spermatic animalcules. See Spermatozoa."}