What does motile mean?
Motile is chiefly a biological term for an organism, cell, or particle that can move actively. The adjective may describe movement produced by flagella, cilia, muscles, or other mechanisms, as in motile sperm, motile bacteria, and motile cells. As a noun, a motile is an organism or entity capable of such movement. The word is more technical than mobile and is often used in discussions of microbiology, cell biology, zoology, and reproductive biology. In contrast with sessile organisms, which remain fixed in one place, motile organisms can move or propel themselves through their environment. Although motile can sometimes mean merely movable in a general sense, its modern usage is especially associated with active movement in living or biological systems.
Able to move actively, especially by using one’s own movement mechanisms.
"The motile organism was easily distinguished from the attached colonies around it."
Chiefly biological and scientific; often used of cells, organisms, sperm, bacteria, and particles.
An organism or entity capable of active, independent movement.
"The motile moved through the water in short, rapid bursts."
Usually used in biological or scientific writing.
The plural motiles is used for organisms or entities capable of active movement.
"Several motiles were observed in the sample."
From the same Latin root as motion, motile describes life in motion: even the smallest cell may have its own way of getting around.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does motile come from?
The word motile comes from Latin motilis, meaning “movable” or “able to move,” derived from the Latin root motus, a past participle of movere, “to move.” It entered English in the late nineteenth century in scientific contexts, especially biology. Related English words such as motion, motive, motor, and commotion continue to reflect the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How motile is actually used
Motile is primarily a scientific and biological term. It is more specific than mobile and generally implies active, self-generated movement rather than movement caused entirely by external forces.
Easily confused with motile
Motile is a technical term for an organism, cell, or particle capable of active movement, whereas mobile is broader and can mean able to move or simply changing location.