staccato

stac·ca·to

adjective \stə-ˈkä-(ˌ)tō\

Definition of STACCATO

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

Examples of STACCATO

1. the staccato blasts of a horn

Origin of STACCATO

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

First Known Use: circa 1724

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

Rhymes with STACCATO

legato, spiccato