SALTIGRADE Meaning and
Definition
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Saltigrade is an adjective that describes organisms or movements characterized by leaping or hopping, particularly referring to the mode of locomotion employed by certain animals. Derived from the Latin words "saltare," meaning to leap or hop, and "gradus," meaning step or degree, saltigrade relates to the manner in which an organism moves by propelling itself forcefully off the ground using its legs or appendages.
The term saltigrade finds its primary application in zoology, especially when describing the locomotion of arthropods such as insects, spiders, and crustaceans. These animals possess specialized limbs or appendages that allow for powerful jumping or hopping movements. By swiftly extending and contracting their legs, these creatures can achieve impressive leaps that propel them several times their body length. This hopping locomotion is advantageous for capturing prey, evading predators, or navigating challenging terrain.
Saltigrade movements are characterized by speed, agility, and precision. The ability to leap significant distances in a single bound enables saltigrade organisms to quickly transition between locations, traverse obstacles, or access resources that might otherwise be beyond their reach. Furthermore, the rapidity and unpredictability of saltigrade motion can serve as an effective defense mechanism, making it difficult for predators to accurately intercept or capture these agile creatures.
Beyond zoology studies, the term saltigrade is less commonly used in other scientific disciplines or everyday contexts. Its application is largely limited to discussions related to the unique locomotion strategy employed by certain animals possessing the capacity for leaping or hopping.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SALTIGRADE
- aaltigrade
- zaltigrade
- xaltigrade
- daltigrade
- ealtigrade
- waltigrade
- szltigrade
- ssltigrade
- swltigrade
- sqltigrade
- saktigrade
- saptigrade
- saotigrade
- salrigrade
- salfigrade
- salgigrade
- salyigrade
- sal6igrade
- sal5igrade
- saltugrade
Etymology of SALTIGRADE
The word "saltigrade" is derived from two Latin roots: "saltus" meaning "leap" and "gradus" meaning "step" or "walk". In Latin, "Saltigradus" means "leaping". This term is composed of "saltus" and "gradus" as well. "Saltigradus" was adopted into English in the early 19th century as "saltigrade", which describes animals or creatures that move by leaping or jumping.
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