1. the ability of muscle tissue to contract and shorten in response to stimulation
Usage: medical/physiological term; commonly used in cardiology and exercise physiology

Examples

• The heart's contractility determines how forcefully it pumps blood throughout the body.
• Cardiac contractility can be measured using echocardiography.
• Regular exercise improves muscle contractility and endurance.
• Certain medications are used to enhance contractility in patients with heart failure.
• The contractility of skeletal muscles allows us to move and perform physical activities.
• Aging can reduce the contractility of both cardiac and skeletal muscles.