motility

noun

mo·​til·​i·​ty mō-ˈti-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being motile : capability of movement

Actin is found in almost all kinds of non-muscle cells where it is thought to have an important role in cell motility.

—Toshio Yanagida et al.

Checks shape, concentration, motility, and number of sperm.

—Michael Gold

2

: the ability of the muscles of the digestive tract to undergo contraction

… some GERD patients have impaired gut motility, meaning that their stomachs empty too slowly.

—Andrew Weil

"Esophageal motility" refers to the action of the esophagus walls' musculature in propelling food downward to the stomach.

—Paul G. Donohue

Patients with scleroderma may have abnormal motility of the small intestine …

—Hani C. Soudah et al.

Examples of motility in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The review suggested vitamin D could influence sperm motility and male fertility, but more studies are needed to clarify its role.11 Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects sperm from free radical damage. —Anju Goel, Verywell Health, 2 Jan. 2025

Poor gut motility can affect digestion and nutrient absorption. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 23 Dec. 2024

If a semen analysis indicates poor sperm quality, motility (movement), or count, treatment can potentially reverse this. —Josephine Hessert, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024

In addition to insulin, Type 1 diabetics don’t make another hormone, amylin, which slows gastric motility. —Rosemary Trout, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

motility

noun

mo·​til·​i·​ty mō-ˈtil-ət-ē 

plural motilities

1

: the quality or state of being motile : capability of movement

sperm motility

2

: the ability of the muscles of the digestive tract to undergo contraction

Patients with scleroderma may have abnormal motility of the small intestine …

—Hani C. Soudah et al.