motus

Motus is a Latin noun meaning movement, motion, or change of place. It derives from the verb movēre, “to move,” and in classical Latin it could refer to physical motion as well as the figurative movement of the mind or emotions, such as motus animi.

In scholarly and philosophical contexts, motus appeared in descriptions of the motion of bodies and in discussions of change or impulse. In modern scientific language, the term is often supplanted by more specific terms in English or Latinized forms such as motility (the ability to move) or momentum (the quantity of motion).

As a proper noun, Motus has been adopted as a name by various artistic, cultural, and organizational entities across different languages and regions. It can appear in the titles of works, names of bands or collectives, or as part of institutional names, reflecting its association with movement or change.

In linguistic and etymological terms, motus serves as a root in many related words across Romance languages, contributing to terms for motion, motive, and locomotive concepts. English, however, more commonly uses the direct cognate motion, while motus remains a classical or ceremonial form in specialized or nominal uses.

See also

Motion, locomotion, motive, motility, momentum.