What does saltatory mean?
Saltatory means involving jumping, leaping, or movement in sudden stages rather than a smooth or gradual progression. The word can describe an animal's bounding locomotion, a process that advances by abrupt transitions, or the rapid movement of nerve impulses along myelinated nerve fibers, where signals appear to leap between nodes of Ranvier. Its sound suggests energetic, discontinuous movement, but it is a formal term rather than a casual everyday word. In scientific writing, “saltatory conduction” is its best-established expression. In literary or figurative use, saltatory can suggest development or change that occurs through conspicuous leaps, although writers may prefer simpler alternatives such as “leaping” or “discontinuous” when precision is not required.
Characterized by leaping or jumping; proceeding by sudden advances or abrupt transitions.
"Their saltatory movement across the dry grassland was characteristic of the bounding species."
Formal; commonly used in zoological, biological, and figurative descriptions.
Relating to the transmission of nerve impulses in discrete jumps between nodes of Ranvier along a myelinated axon.
"Myelin enables rapid saltatory conduction of electrical signals."
Specialized technical usage in neuroscience and physiology.
In nerve fibers, the electrical signal does not travel in a smooth wave: it leaps from one insulating gap to the next, a process called saltatory conduction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does saltatory come from?
Saltatory derives from the Latin verb saltare, meaning “to leap,” and from saltator, a noun meaning “one who leaps” or “a jumper.” The suffix -atory forms an adjective expressing the nature or condition of the action. The same Latin root also underlies saltation, referring to an act of leaping or a sudden movement, and the related adjective saltatorial. The word entered English through Latin-derived scientific and literary usage.
Related word forms
How saltatory is actually used
Saltatory is formal and relatively uncommon in general prose. It is especially associated with scientific and technical descriptions of movement, including the jumping locomotion of certain animals and the transmission of nerve impulses.
Easily confused with saltatory
Saltatory means involving jumping or leaping, whereas salutatory relates to greeting or formal welcome.
Saltatory describes movement or development by leaps, while sagacious means showing good judgement.