contractility

[ kon-trak-til-i-tee ]

noun

1. the property, as of muscle or other tissue, of being able to contract, or draw itself together, reducing its dimensions:

   Improvements in the contractility of the heart can be measured by a number of different methods to determine how much blood the heart pumps with each beat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of contractility¹

First recorded in 1710–20; contractil(e) ( def ) + -ity ( def )

Example Sentences

Passing, now, to the other side of elasticity—i.e., contractility—can we say as much?

From Project Gutenberg

The case for emergency contractility, however, is somewhat better than the case for ordinary contractility.

From Project Gutenberg

A second set of cells should form muscle endowed mainly with contractility.

From Project Gutenberg

It is generally supposed that the upper side of the tendril of Passiflora is devoid of contractility.

From Project Gutenberg

Many forms are motile—some in virtue of fine thread-like flagella, and others through contractility of the protoplasm.

From Project Gutenberg