A scientific theory or belief system centered on the study or importance of animalcules in nature and disease.
From 'animalcule' plus '-ism' (denoting a practice, doctrine, or condition), emerging in the 17th-18th centuries when microscopy created new scientific frameworks.
Animalculism was part of early germ theory debates—some scientists believed tiny creatures caused disease, which eventually proved revolutionary when germ theory replaced the old 'bad air' explanation for illness.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.