Which of the following describes 'staccato'?

Staccato is indeed a performance style characterized by short and detached notes. In music notation, staccato is indicated by a dot placed above or below a note, signaling to the performer to play or sing the note in a way that is crisp and distinct, without any lingering sound. This technique creates a lively and articulated effect, which contrasts with legato, where the notes are played smoothly and connected.

In this context, the definition of staccato emphasizes the separation between notes, allowing each note to stand out individually rather than blending into the next one. This is particularly effective for adding rhythmic interest and expression in various musical pieces. Understanding staccato helps musicians interpret written music accurately and execute it with the intended character, enhancing their overall performance skill in a variety of genres.