ˌanəˈmal(ˌ)kyül noun
or an·i·mal·cu·lum -_kyələm
( plural animalcules -kyülz ; or animalcu·la -kyələ ; also animalcu·lae -kyəˌlē, -ˌlī)
Etymology: New Latin animalculum, diminutive of Latin animal
1. archaic : a tiny animal (as a fly)
2. : a minute usually microscopic organism — compare infusoria