1. A light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
   "The dancer's graceful saltation captivated the audience";
   - leap, leaping, spring, bound, bounce
    
2. An abrupt transition
   "a successful saltation from college to the major leagues";
   - leap, jump
    
3. (genetics) a mutation that drastically changes the phenotype of an organism or species
   "The saltation in the butterfly population resulted in a new wing colour pattern"
    
4. (geology) the leaping movement of sand or soil particles as they are transported in a fluid medium over an uneven surface
   "Saltation is a common form of sediment transport in desert environments"
    
5. [archaic] Taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
   "The dancers performed a graceful saltation";
   - dancing, dance, terpsichore

Derived forms: saltations

Type of: action, activity, chromosomal mutation, diversion, genetic mutation, jump, jumping, mutation, natural action, natural process, performing arts, recreation, transition

Encyclopedia: Saltation