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staccato

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The definition of staccato is where each sound is short and distinct from the other sounds.

(adjective)

An example of sound that would be described as staccato is the sound of a machine gun.

Staccato is music or speech where each sound is short and disconnected from the other sounds.

(noun)

An example of staccato is a song with short, quick notes.

See staccato in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Musical Direction with distinct breaks between successive tones: usually indicated by a dot () placed over or under each note to be so produced
made up of abrupt, distinct elements or sounds: a staccato outburst of gunfire

Origin: It, pp. of staccare, aphetic for distaccare, to detach < di(s)- (< L, dis-) + Frank *stakka: see stick

adverb

so as to be staccato; in a staccato manner

noun pl. staccatos

something, as a speech pattern, that is staccato

See staccato in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Music Cut short crisply; detached: staccato octaves.
Marked by or composed of abrupt, disconnected parts or sounds: staccato applause.

noun pl. stac·ca·tos or stac·ca·ti (-tē)

A staccato manner or sound.

Origin:

Origin: Italian

Origin: , past participle of staccare, to detach

Origin: , short for distaccare

Origin: , from obsolete French destacher

Origin: , from Old French destachier; see detach

Related Forms:

stac·caˈto adverb

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