saltation

Meanings

1. A leap, jump or dance.
2. The act of jumping, or hopping, using all legs simultaneously (although the contribution to motion is typically made chiefly by the hind legs).
3. Beating or palpitation.
4. A sudden change from one generation to the next; a mutation.
5. Any abrupt transition.
6. The transport of loose particles by a fluid (such as wind or flowing water).

Etymology

From Latin saltus (“to leap”).