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.

Their findings show that sperm motility - the ability of sperm to swim effectively - was consistently highest in June and July for both parts of the world.

From BBC

"Once monogamy was locked in, there was no longer any evolutionary pressure to maintain genes involved in sperm motility."

From Science Daily

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

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