Jumping bean Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun seed of Mexican shrubs of the genus Sebastiana containing the larva of a moth whose movements cause the bean to jerk or tumble
    Mexican jumping bean; jumping seed.

WordNet


Definitions
  1. 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.

Webster 1913