animalcules Definition
microscopic animals, especially those that are considered to be the first forms of life.
Using animalcules: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "animalcules" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was the first to observe animalcules under a microscope.
Example
Animalcules are often found in stagnant water or decaying organic matter.
Example
The study of animalcules paved the way for modern microbiology.
Phrases with animalcules
a former classification for microscopic organisms, including animalcules, that were believed to arise spontaneously in infusions of organic matter
Example
The discovery of infusoria and animalcules challenged the idea of spontaneous generation.
a group of single-celled organisms that are classified as animalcules and are characterized by their ability to move independently
Example
Protozoa are important decomposers in aquatic ecosystems.
a type of microorganism that is classified as an animalcule and is characterized by its lack of a nucleus
Example
Bacteria are found in almost every environment on Earth.
Origins of animalcules
from Latin 'animalculum', meaning 'little animal'
Summary: animalcules in Brief
'Animalcules' [an-uh-mal-kyools] are microscopic animals, often considered the first forms of life. They are commonly found in stagnant water or decaying organic matter. The study of animalcules paved the way for modern microbiology, and they are often classified as infusoria, protozoa, or bacteria.
