I. ˈse-(ˌ)kō noun
Etymology: Italian, from secco dry, from Latin siccus — more at sack
Date: 1852
: the art of painting on dry plaster
II. adjective or adverb
Etymology: Italian, literally, dry
Date: circa 1854
1. : short and very staccato — used as a direction in music
2. of a recitative : accompanied only by the instruments playing the continuo