Main Entry: stac·ca·to

Pronunciation: \stə-ˈkä-(ˌ)tō\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Italian, from past participle of staccare to detach, from s- ex- (from Latin ex-) + attaccare to attack, attach, perhaps from Old French estachier — more at attach

Date: circa 1724

1 a : cut short or apart in performing : disconnected <staccato notes> b : marked by short clear-cut playing or singing of tones or chords <a staccato style>
2 : abrupt, disjointed <staccato screams>

— staccato adverb

— staccato noun