jumping bean

2 definitions found

jumping bean - 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]

jumping bean - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  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
           ]