Why did Antony named his cell animalcules?

Antony van Leeuwenhoek referred to microscopic organisms as "animalcules" because he observed them through his handcrafted microscopes and noted their animal-like characteristics, despite them being single-celled organisms. The term derives from the Latin Word "animalculum," meaning "small animal." His observations marked a significant advancement in microbiology, as he was one of the first to describe these tiny life forms, highlighting the diversity of life that exists beyond human perception.