stə ka to
adjective
1. composed of abrupt, distinct notes, sounds, or parts, as a musical passage or a burst of gunfire.
2. in music, cut short; played crisply, with a distinct break before the next note.
noun
1: a staccato musical passage.
2: something composed of abrupt, distinct sounds or parts.
The staccato of hail on the tin roof.
adverb
in a staccato style or manner (used as a musical direction).