noun
motility
moh-TIL-i-tee
Motility (noun) means the ability of a cell or organism to move by itself, most often used of sperm. Example: “The test measures sperm count, shape and motility.”
noun
1
The ability of a cell or organism to move by itself, most often used of sperm.
"The test measures sperm count, shape and motility."
"Low motility means fewer sperm reach the egg."
2
medical The coordinated muscular movement of an organ, especially the contractions that push food through the digestive tract.
"The drug improves gut motility in patients with delayed emptying."
"Poor oesophageal motility can make swallowing difficult."
How to use motility
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow well something can move under its own power.
When to use it
Technical — medicine, fertility testing and biology.
Memory tip
In a semen analysis, motility is how well the sperm swim, while morphology is what shape they are. They are scored separately.
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Easily confused with
Common pairings
sperm motility
progressive motility
gut motility
reduced motility
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The test measures sperm count, shape and _____.
Etymology
From Latin motus, past participle of movere 'to move', via motile.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for motility
See all rhymes for motility →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between motility and mobility?
Motility is the capacity to move spontaneously using one's own energy, which is why it applies to cells, bacteria and organs. Mobility is the more general ability to be moved or to get about, and it does not imply self-generated movement.
What counts as normal sperm motility?
Laboratories typically look for at least 40 per cent of sperm moving at all, and around 30 per cent showing progressive motility — swimming forwards rather than twitching in place. Exact reference values vary between labs and guidelines, so results should be read against the report's own ranges.
What is the meaning of motility?
"motility" (noun) means the ability of a cell or organism to move by itself, most often used of sperm.
What is another word for motility?
Other words for "motility" include mobility, movement, motion, move.
