1.
[syn: jumping bean, jumping seed, Mexican jumping bean]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Jumping \Jump"ing\, p. a. & vb. n.
of Jump, to leap.
[1913 Webster]
Jumping bean, a seed of a Mexican Euphorbia, containing
the larva of a moth (Carpocapsa saltitans). The larva by
its sudden movements causes the seed to roll to roll and
jump about.
Jumping deer (Zool.), a South African rodent (Pedetes
Caffer), allied to the jerboa.
Jumping louse (Zool.), any of the numerous species of plant
lice belonging to the family Psyllid[ae], several of
which are injurious to fruit trees.
Jumping mouse (Zool.), North American mouse (Zapus
Hudsonius), having a long tail and large hind legs. It is
noted for its jumping powers. Called also kangaroo
mouse.
Jumping mullet (Zool.), gray mullet.
Jumping shrew (Zool.), any African insectivore of the genus
Macroscelides. They are allied to the shrews, but have
large hind legs adapted for jumping.
Jumping spider (Zool.), spider of the genus Salticus and
other related genera; one of the Saltigrad[ae]; -- so
called because it leaps upon its prey.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
jumping bean
n 1: seed of Mexican shrubs of the genus Sebastiana containing
the larva of a moth whose movements cause the bean to jerk
or tumble [syn: jumping bean, jumping seed, Mexican
jumping bean]