saltation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (geology) the leaping movement of sand or soil particles as they are transported in a fluid medium over an uneven surface
  2. noun (genetics) a mutation that drastically changes the phenotype of an organism or species
  3. noun an abrupt transition
    jump; leap.
    • a successful leap from college to the major leagues
  4. noun taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
    dance; terpsichore; dancing.
  5. noun a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
    spring; leaping; bounce; bound; leap.

WordNet

Sal*ta"tion noun
Etymology
L. saltatio: cf. F. saltation.
Definitions
  1. A leaping or jumping.
    Continued his saltation without pause. Sir W. Scott.
  2. Beating or palpitation; as, the saltation of the great artery.
  3. (Biol.) An abrupt and marked variation in the condition or appearance of a species; a sudden modification which may give rise to new races.
    We greatly suspect that nature does make considerable jumps in the way of variation now and then, and that these saltations give rise to some of the gaps which appear to exist in the series of known forms. Huxley.

Webster 1913