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staccato

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

staccato

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

Learn more about "staccato" and related topics at Britannica.com

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