mobile definition

1. Capable of being moved; not fixed in place or condition; movable. "Fixed or else mobile."

2. Characterised by an extreme degree of fluidity; moving or flowing with great freedom; as, benzine and mercury are mobile liquids; opposed to viscous, viscoidal, or oily.

3. Easily moved in feeling, purpose, or direction; excitable; changeable; fickle. "The quick and mobile curiosity of her disposition." (Hawthorne)

4. Changing in appearance and expression under the influence of the mind; as, mobile features.

5. <physiology> Capable of being moved, aroused, or excited; capable of spontaneous movement.

Origin: L. Mobilis, for movibilis, fr. Movere to move: cf. F. Mobile. See Move.

(01 Mar 1998)