saltatory

adjective

sal·​ta·​to·​ry ˈsal-tə-ˌtȯr-ē  ˈsȯl- 

1

archaic : of or relating to dancing

2

: proceeding by leaps rather than by gradual transitions : discontinuous

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

saltatory

adjective

sal·​ta·​to·​ry ˈsal-tə-ˌtōr-ē  ˈsȯl- 

-ˌtȯr-

: proceeding by leaps rather than by gradual transitions

saltatory conduction of impulses in myelinated nerve fibers