motility

[ moh-til-i-tee ]

noun

1. 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 Words From

• non·mo·til·i·ty noun
• su·per·mo·til·i·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of motility¹

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

Example Sentences

In mice, knocking out the Stk33 gene renders the mice sterile due to abnormal sperm and poor sperm motility.

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

In this model, when they increased the motility of the atoms, the repulsive forces between atoms rearranged them into an ordered state called ferromagnetism.

From Science Daily

The scientists thus revealed a universal mechanism for cell motility that applies to many different types of migrating cells.

From Science Daily

The student was looking for mutants that showed altered motility, and among these some moved faster than usual.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• act
• action
• change
• development
• evolution
• exercise
• flow
• migration
• move
• operation
• progress
• shift