motility
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The ability to move spontaneously and independently: This refers to the inherent capacity of an organism or cell to initiate and perform movement using its own energy.
- Movement, motion: This refers to an act or instance of changing position, especially one that does not involve a change in physical location.
Usage and Examples
- Noun (Ability to move):
- The motility of sperm is crucial for fertilization.
- Certain diseases can impair intestinal motility.
- Noun (Instance of movement):
- The constant motility of the amoeba was observed under the microscope.
- Gastrointestinal motility refers to the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific/Medical Context: The term is frequently used in biology and medicine to describe the movement capacity of microorganisms, cells (like sperm), or organs (like the intestines).
- Researchers studied the bacterial motility in various environments.
- A motility disorder can cause significant digestive problems.
Variants and Related Words
- Motile (adj): Describing something capable of spontaneous movement.
- Motile bacteria can swim toward nutrients.
- Immobility (n): The state of not being able to move; the opposite of motility.
- Locomotion (n): The act or power of moving from place to place. (Note: This often implies a change of location, whereas 'motility' can include movement in place).
Synonyms
- Mobility: The ability to move or be moved freely and easily.
- Motion: The action or process of moving.
- Movement: An act of changing physical location or position.
Antonyms
- Immobility: The state of not moving.
- Paralysis: The loss of the ability to move.
- Stasis: A period or state of inactivity or equilibrium.
Noun
- a change of position that does not entail a change of location
- the reflex motion of his eyebrows revealed his surprise
- movement is a sign of life
- an impatient move of his hand
- gastrointestinal motility
- ability to move spontaneously and independently