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.
Toshio Yanagida et al.Checks shape, concentration, motility, and number of sperm.—Michael Gold
Michael Gold2
: 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
Andrew Weil"Esophageal motility" refers to the action of the esophagus walls' musculature in propelling food downward to the stomach.—Paul G. Donohue
Paul G. DonohuePatients with scleroderma may have abnormal motility of the small intestine …—Hani C. Soudah et al.
Hani C. Soudah et al.Examples of motility in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Studies have also found that sperm count, motility, concentration and volume have declined sharply in recent decades.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
The sperm count and motility dropped, and microscopic analysis revealed damage to the seminiferous tubules, where sperm are formed.
—New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025
Add fiber to your diet to promote gastric motility and reduce the risk of constipation.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2025
It is also designed to boost your motility and digestion.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motility
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Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
The sperm count and motility dropped, and microscopic analysis revealed damage to the seminiferous tubules, where sperm are formed.
—New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025
Add fiber to your diet to promote gastric motility and reduce the risk of constipation.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2025
It is also designed to boost your motility and digestion.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motility
Cite this Entry
“Motility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motility. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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.
Hani C. Soudah et al.Love words? Need even more definitions?
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