Saltatory evolution

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Saltatory \Sal"ta*to"ry\, a. [L. saltatorius. See {Saltant}, and
   cf. {Saltire}.]
   Leaping or dancing; having the power of, or used in, leaping
   or dancing.
   [1913 Webster]

   {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.
      [1913 Webster]
    

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