motility

UK: məʊˈtɪlɪti | US: moʊˈtɪlɪti

Definition

  1. n. the ability to move spontaneously and independently

  2. n. (biology) the capacity of cells or organisms to exhibit motion

Structure
mot <move>ility <noun suffix denoting quality or state>
Etymology

The word "motility" derives from the Latin root mot- (from movere, meaning "to move"), combined with the suffix -ility, which forms nouns indicating a state or capacity. The term emerged in scientific contexts to describe the inherent capacity for movement, particularly in biological systems (e.g., cell motility). The logic follows: mot- (movement) + -ility (state of being) → "the state of being capable of movement."

Examples

  1. Sperm motility is crucial for successful fertilization.

  2. The microscope revealed the motility of the microorganisms.

  3. Muscle tissue exhibits high motility due to its contractile properties.

  4. Researchers studied the motility of cancer cells to understand metastasis.

  5. The drug impaired the motility of the parasites, rendering them immobile.