A change of position that does not entail a change of location

• Ability to move spontaneously and independently

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Motility \Mo*til"i*ty\, n. [Cf. F. motilit['e].] (Physiol.) Capability of motion; contractility.

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. ability to move spontaneously and independently [ant: immotility ] 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"; ...

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
In biology , motility is the ability to move spontaneously and actively, consuming energy in the process. Motility is genetically determined (see genetic determinism ) but may be affected by environmental factors. For instance, muscles give animals motility ...

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 (context uncountable English) The state of being motile 2 (context countable English) The degree to which something is motile

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"capacity of movement," 1827, from French motilité (1827), from Latin mot- , stem of movere "to move" (see move (v.)).