1. (

• saltation

) (geology) the leaping movement of sand or soil particles as they are transported in a fluid medium over an uneven surface ;

2. (

• saltation

) (genetics) a mutation that drastically changes the phenotype of an organism or species ;

3. (

• leap ,
• jump ,
• saltation ,

) an abrupt transition; "a successful leap from college to the major leagues" ;

4. (

• dancing ,
• dance ,
• terpsichore ,
• saltation ,

) taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music ;

5. (

• leap ,
• leaping ,
• spring ,
• saltation ,
• bound ,
• bounce

) a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards ;