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) marked by or composed of disconnected parts or sounds; cut short crisply
"staccato applause"
"a staccato command"
"staccato notes"
Describing a passage having this mark.
played in this style