Desmidiacae

Animalcule 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. [1913 Webster]

2. (Zo["o]l.) An animal, invisible, or nearly so, to the naked eye. See {Infusoria}. [1913 Webster]

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]}. [1913 Webster]

{Spermatic animalcules}. See {Spermatozoa}. [1913 Webster]