What does saltatorial mean?
Saltatorial means relating to jumping or leaping, especially when movement takes the form of sudden bounds rather than a smooth or continuous progression. The term is most common in biology, where it describes locomotion adapted for jumping, as in grasshoppers, frogs, and certain other animals. It can occasionally be used figuratively to describe speech or thought that moves abruptly from one subject to another. The word comes through Latin and is related to saltation, a term for dancing or leaping, and saltant, meaning “leaping” or “jumping.” Its specialized sound gives it a formal, technical character, so it is especially useful in zoological, anatomical, and comparative discussions of movement.
adjectiveOf or relating to jumping or leaping; characterized by movement in sudden bounds. In biology, it describes locomotion adapted for jumping.
- Relating to jumping or leaping, especially to a form of locomotion characterized by sudden leaps or bounds.
"The saltatorial movement of the grasshopper is powered by its powerful hind legs."
"The frog is adapted for saltatorial movement through its strong hind limbs."
"Her explanation of the subject was rather saltatorial, moving from one idea to another with sudden leaps."
Saltatorial locomotion turns jumping into a specialist skill: some animals launch themselves across the ground rather than moving steadily.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does saltatorial come from?
Saltatorial derives from Latin saltatorius, meaning “of or relating to leaping,” formed from saltator, “jumper,” and saltare, “to leap.” English borrowed the word in the early 19th century for movement characterized by leaps. It belongs to the same Latin root as saltation, saltant, saltate, and saltigrade.
Related word forms
How saltatorial is actually used
The term is chiefly used in biology for jumping locomotion. It can also be used figuratively, though the figurative use is uncommon.
Easily confused with saltatorial
Saltatorial is the adjective most often used for jumping or leaping movement, while saltatory is a closely related adjective with the same general sense and is sometimes used in biological descriptions.