What does saltus mean?
Saltus means a leap, jump, or abrupt transition from one place, subject, or stage to another. It can also denote a gap in an argument, chronology, or sequence, especially one that is unexpected or difficult to explain. The word has a formal, learned tone and is encountered more often in historical writing, philosophy, scholarship, and legal language than in everyday speech. A writer might describe an unexplained move in an argument as a saltus, or characterize the move from one historical period to another as a major saltus. Its unusual Latin-derived character makes it especially suitable for precise prose discussing continuity, causation, and structural discontinuity. Although not common, it is valuable because it identifies not merely movement but a potentially abrupt or conspicuous leap.
nounA leap or transition from one place, topic, or stage to another, especially one that leaves a substantial gap. The word is chiefly used in formal, historical, and legal contexts.
- A leap, transition, or movement from one place or subject to another.
- A gap or interruption in continuity, especially in a sequence of events or an argument.
"The abrupt saltus from pastoral poetry to industrial history was difficult to reconcile."
"The scholar criticized the enormous saltus between the early chapters and the final conclusion."
"An unexplained saltus in the surviving record makes the chronology difficult to establish."
The regular English plural is saltuses; the Latin plural saltūs also occurs in specialized writing.
"The author identified several unexplained saltuses in the historical narrative."
Saltus comes from the Latin word for a leap, giving us a vocabulary word for taking the fastest route between two ideas.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does saltus come from?
Saltus is a Latin noun meaning “a leap” or “a vault,” derived from the verb salire, “to leap.” It entered English in learned usage for both an act of leaping and a gap or discontinuity. Its relatives include saltatory, associated with leaping or movement in stages, and salient, whose historical sense developed from the notion of leaping or moving prominently.
How saltus is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon word. It is most natural in academic, historical, philosophical, or legal prose, where its implication of a striking or abrupt transition is useful.