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Webster 1913 Edition


Saltatory

Sal′ta-to′ry

,
Adj.
[L.
saltatorius
. See
Saltant
, and cf.
Saltire
.]
Leaping or dancing; having the power of, or used in, leaping or dancing.
Saltatory evolution
(Biol.)
,
a theory of evolution which holds that the transmutation of species is not always gradual, but that there may come sudden and marked variations. See
Saltation
.
Saltatory spasm
(Med.)
,
an affection in which pressure of the foot on a floor causes the patient to spring into the air, so as to make repeated involuntary motions of hopping and jumping.
J. Ross.

Definition 2024


saltatory

saltatory

English

Adjective

saltatory (comparative more saltatory, superlative most saltatory)

  1. Of or pertaining to leaps or leaping.
    • 1859, Charles Dickens, The Haunted House
      When we had all laughed and applauded till we were faint, Starling, not to be outdone, favoured us with a more modern saltatory entertainment in the Lancashire clog manner — to the best of my belief, the longest dance ever performed []
  2. That proceeds by leaps rather than by smooth, continuous variation.