saltator
saltator Lexical Profile
• noun
Any of various Neotropical songbirds of the genus Saltator, typically characterized by a thick bill and a habit of moving through branches with bounding leaps or hops.
"The buff-throated saltator can often be seen foraging for fruit and insects in the canopy of the Amazon rainforest."
An animal or insect that moves primarily by jumping or leaping rather than walking or flying.
"Because of their powerful hind legs adapted for jumping, grasshoppers and locusts are excellent examples of insect saltators."
A person who leaps or dances, especially in historical or archaic contexts.
"The ancient Roman text described a talented saltator who entertained the emperor's court with his remarkable acrobatic jumps."
• Rhymes for saltator
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Latin 'saltator' meaning 'dancer' or 'leaper', derived from 'saltare' (to dance, jump), which is a frequentative form of 'salire' (to leap). It was later adopted into zoological taxonomy to describe leaping animals and a specific genus of hopping songbirds.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.