Zool. [mod.L., dim. f. L. vortic-, vortex VORTEX.] The typical genus of Vorticellidæ (cf. next); an individual belonging to this genus; a bell-animalcule. Also attrib.
1787. G. Adams (title), Essays on the Microscope, containing an account of the various species and singular properties of the Hydræ and Vorticellæ.
1805. Priscilla Wakefield, Dom. Recreat., vi. 86. In its sediment we shall find a most curious animalcule, called the wheel animal, or vorticella.
1875. Huxley & Martin, Elem. Biol. (1877), 90. Sometimes a rounded body, encircled by a ring of cilia but having otherwise the characters of a Vorticella bell, is seen to be attached to the base of the bell of an ordinary Vorticella.
