saltation

sal·ta·tion

noun \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

Origin of SALTATION

Latin saltation-, saltatio, from saltare to leap, dance, frequentative of salire to leap — more at sally

First Known Use: 1646