animalculism

noun

an·​i·​mal·​cu·​lism
-kyəˌlizəm
plural -s
1
: a former theory in biology: various obscure physiological and pathological phenomena are caused by the activities of minute invisible animals
2
: a former theory in biology: the spermatozoon contains the whole embryo in miniature compare ovism

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of animalculism was in 1845

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Dictionary Entries Near animalculism

animalcule

animalculism

animalculist

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Animalculism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/animalculism. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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