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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.

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