Synonyms

motility

American

[moh-til-i-tee] / moʊˈtɪl ɪ ti /

noun

Biology. the ability to move spontaneously, or the rate or degree of such movement.

Advanced zinc deficiency can impair the motility and number of sperm.

Other Word Forms

nonmotility noun
supermotility noun

Etymology

Origin of motility

First recorded in 1800–10; from Latin mōt-, stem of movēre “to move” + -ility ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does motility compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

motility vs. mobility

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He also has reduced eye motility, visual function and substantial field loss.

From BBC

Such tools could help scientists study bacterial motility and coordination in confined environments, providing a better understanding of microbial active matter.

From Science Daily

In addition to insulin, Type 1 diabetics don't make another hormone, amylin, which slows gastric motility.

From Salon

"Importantly, the contraceptive effect was reversible. After a period without compound CDD-2807, the mice recovered sperm motility and numbers and were fertile again."

From Science Daily

Following this mineral assessment, the scientists explored the impact of calcium on several aspects related to the virulence of the pathogen, including its growth rate, ability to form biofilms and motility.

From Science Daily

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023