First Known Use: 1646
Dictionary
saltation
noun sal·ta·tion \sal-ˈtā-shən, sȯl-\
Definition of SALTATION
1
a : the action or process of leaping or jumping b : dance
2
a : the origin of a new species or a higher taxon in essentially a single evolutionary step that in some especially former theories is held to be due to a major mutation or to unknown causes — compare darwinism, neo-darwinism, punctuated equilibrium b : mutation —used especially of bacteria and fungi
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Origin of SALTATION
Latin saltation-, saltatio, from saltare to leap, dance, frequentative of salire to leap — more at sally
Medical Dictionary
saltation
noun sal·ta·tion \sal-ˈtā-shən, sȯl-\
Medical Definition of SALTATION
1
: the origin of a new species or a higher taxon in essentially a single evolutionary step that in some especially former theories is held to be due to macromutation
2
: mutation—used especially of bacteria and fungi
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