animalcule
|an-i-mal-cule|
C2
/ˌænɪˈmæl.kjuːl/
tiny living organism
Etymology
Etymology Information
'animalcule' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'animalculum,' where 'animal' meant 'living being' and '-culum' was a diminutive suffix.
Historical Evolution
'animalculum' transformed into the English word 'animalcule' during the 17th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a small living being,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a microscopic organism, especially a protozoan or a very small animal.
Under the microscope, the scientist observed various animalcules swimming in the water sample.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/14 09:38