an·i·mal·cule /ˌænəˈmæl(ˌ)kju(ə)l/
  微生物
  an·i·mal·cule /-ˈmælkjələm/ 名詞
  微小動物
  An·i·mal·cule n.
  1. A small animal, as a fly, spider, etc. [Obs.]
  2. Zool. 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.
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  animalcule
       n : microscopic organism such as an amoeba or paramecium [syn: animalculum]