1. relating to or characterized by leaping or jumping
Usage: formal; technical
2. proceeding by abrupt changes rather than gradual transitions
Usage: formal; scientific

Examples

• The frog’s saltatory movement helped it escape predators.
• Grasshoppers are known for their saltatory locomotion.
• The scientist observed the saltatory conduction of nerve impulses.
• Evolution sometimes shows saltatory changes rather than gradual ones.
• The kangaroo’s saltatory gait is perfectly adapted for covering long distances.
• Saltatory evolution involves sudden jumps in genetic variation.