saltationism

[ sal-tey-shuh-niz-uhm ]

/ sælˈteɪ ʃəˌnɪz əm /

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noun Biology.

any of several theories holding that the evolution of species proceeds in major steps by the abrupt transformation of an ancestral species into a descendant species of a different type, rather than by the gradual accumulation of small changes.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of saltationism

First recorded in 1970–75; saltation + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM saltationism

sal·ta·tion·ist, noun

Words nearby saltationism

salta, saltando, saltant, saltarello, saltation, saltationism, saltatorial, saltatory, salt away, salt bath, salt-box