Jer·bo·a n.  Zool. Any small jumping rodent of the genus Dipus, esp. Dipus Aegyptius, which is common in Egypt and the adjacent countries.  The jerboas have very long hind legs and a long tail. [Written also  gerboa.]
 Note: ☞ The name is also applied to other small jumping rodents, as the Pedetes Caffer, of the Cape of Good Hope.
 Jerboa kangaroo Zool., small Australian kangaroo (Bettongia penicillata), about the size of a common hare.

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 Jump·ing, p. a. & vb. n. of Jump, to leap.
 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 Psyllidæ, 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 Saltigradæ; -- so called because it leaps upon its prey.

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