Defn: 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.
SALTATORIA
Sal`ta*to"ri*a, n.; pl. Etym: [NL.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A division of Orthoptera including grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets.
SALTATORIAL
Sal`ta*to"ri*al, a.
1. Relating to leaping; saltatory; as, saltatorial exercises.
2. (Zoöl.) (a) Same as Saltatorious. (b) Of or pertaining to the Saltatoria.
SALTATORIOUS
Sal`ta*to"ri*ous, a.
Defn: Capable of leaping; formed for leaping; saltatory; as, a saltatorious insect or leg.
SALTATORY
Sal"ta*to"ry, a. Etym: [L. saltatorius. See Saltant, and cf.
Saltire.]
Defn: 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.