desultory

Definition

Jumping, or passing, from one thing or subject to another, without order, planning, or rational connection; lacking logical sequence.

Etymology

From Latin dēsultōrius (“hasty, casual, superficial”), from dēsultor (“a circus rider who jumped from one galloping horse to another”), from dēsiliō (“jump down”), from dē (“down”) + saliō (“jump, leap”).

Example Sentences

• "He wandered round, cleaning up in a desultory way."
• "I teach a class of desultory minds."
• "subject to desultory fire from the enemy"

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