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
In neither men nor women, is there a randomized control trial that demonstrates an improvement in fertility parameters (sperm production or motility) or outcomes (pregnancy rates) with the use of guaifenesin.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 25 Oct. 2024
Belladonna contains atropine, which blocks cisapride from helping with the motility of your gastrointestinal tract.
—Mary Choy, Health, 9 Oct. 2024
When zinc attaches to these receptors, sperm motility increases.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024
Other treatments may include botanical preparations (like peppermint oil, which can reduce intestinal spasms), neuromodulators (such as some antidepressants), antibiotics, or medications that influence gut motility.
—Stacey Colino, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for motility 
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Dominique Fluker, Essence, 25 Oct. 2024
Belladonna contains atropine, which blocks cisapride from helping with the motility of your gastrointestinal tract.
—Mary Choy, Health, 9 Oct. 2024
When zinc attaches to these receptors, sperm motility increases.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024
Other treatments may include botanical preparations (like peppermint oil, which can reduce intestinal spasms), neuromodulators (such as some antidepressants), antibiotics, or medications that influence gut motility.
—Stacey Colino, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for motility
Dictionary Entries Near motility
Cite this Entry
“Motility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motility. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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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