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Motility Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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motility

[mษ™สŠหˆtษชlษ™ti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

biological movement

Motility refers to the ability of an organism or a cell to move spontaneously and actively. It is crucial for various biological processes, including locomotion, feeding, and reproduction. In multicellular organisms, motility can involve the movement of entire organisms or the movement of cells within tissues. In unicellular organisms, motility is often facilitated by structures like flagella or cilia. Understanding motility is important in fields such as biology, medicine, and ecology.

Synonyms

locomotion, mobility, movement.

Examples of usage

  • The motility of sperm cells is essential for fertilization.
  • Certain bacteria exhibit motility, allowing them to navigate toward nutrients.
  • The study of gut motility helps in diagnosing digestive disorders.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • In living organisms, motility is crucial for processes like finding food and escaping danger.
  • Single-celled organisms, like amoebas and bacteria, often use flagella or cilia to move through water.
  • Muscle contractions in animals are a form of motility, allowing movements like running or swimming.

Health Science

  • In human health, motility is important for digestion, as food needs to move through the digestive tract.
  • Reduced motility in the intestines can lead to constipation, highlighting the importance of movement in bodily functions.
  • Sperm motility is a key factor in male fertility, as it affects the ability to reach and fertilize the egg.

Evolution

  • The evolution of motility in organisms allowed for adaptation to various environments, like land and water.
  • Different motility strategies, such as swimming, crawling, or flying, have emerged based on habitat needs.
  • Over millions of years, motility has contributed to the survival and diversification of species.

Physics

  • The principles of motility are studied in physics to understand how forces act on moving bodies, even at microscopic levels.
  • In the context of cells, motility involves complex interactions between forces, including friction and fluid dynamics.
  • Researchers use motility to explore movement patterns in various media, from fluids to gels.

Technology

  • Inspired by biological motility, scientists are developing tiny robots that can move autonomously in various environments.
  • Microswimmers, designed based on how microorganisms move, have potential applications in medicine and environmental science.
  • The study of motility is leading to advances in bioengineering, including targeted drug delivery systems.

Origin of 'motility'

The term 'motility' is derived from the Latin word 'movere', which means 'to move'. The prefix 'mot-' relates to movement and is common in English words associated with motion. First recorded in the late 19th century, 'motility' emerged as a scientific term used primarily in biological contexts to describe the inherent ability of living organisms to move. As biology evolved, particularly in fields like microbiology and physiology, 'motility' became crucial in understanding cellular behavior and organismal functions. This concept has grown in importance with advances in research, enhancing our comprehension of processes such as cell migration and organismal locomotion.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,654, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.