adv., adj., & n. esp. Mus.
adv. & adj. with each sound or note sharply detached or separated from the others (cf. LEGATO, TENUTO).
n. (pl. -os) 1 a staccato passage in music etc. 2 staccato delivery or presentation. staccato mark a dot or stroke above or below a note, indicating that it is to be played staccato.
[ It., past part. of staccare = distaccare DETACH ]