(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.

(music) played in this style

(music) Describing a passage having this mark. / Made up of abruptly disconnected parts or sounds.

plural of staccato