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.
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.<-- recently revived as "punctuated equilibrium" --> -- 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.
© Webster 1913.