diatomace[ae]

1 definition found

diatomace[ae] - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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.
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     2. (Zool.) An animal, invisible, or nearly so, to the naked
        eye. See Infusoria.
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     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].
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     Spermatic animalcules. See Spermatozoa.
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