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

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

Once consumed, ginger and its various components work within the digestive tract to soothe digestive organs, stimulate stomach contractions, and promote gastric emptying and intestinal motility (movement). —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 16 Sep. 2024

Gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia are both under the umbrella term of motility disorders, and bloating may occur in these disorders.6 Functional dyspepsia may be diagnosed when symptoms affect the upper digestive system, but no obvious cause is found. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 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.