staccato

adjective

1. (music) marked by or composed of disconnected parts or sounds; cut short crisply

- staccato applause

- a staccato command

- staccato notes

Similar word(s): abrupt, disconnected, disconnected

adverb

1. separating the notes; in music

- play this staccato, please

- Now, play the same passage very staccato.

noun

1. (music) An articulation marking directing that a note or passage of notes are to be played in an abruptly disconnected manner, with each note sounding for a very short duration, and a short break lasting until the sounding of the next note; as opposed to legato. Staccato is indicated by a dot directly above or below the notehead.

2. (music) A passage having this mark.