Staccato is a musical term that describes a style of playing or singing where notes are played in a short, detached manner. This technique creates a distinct separation between each note, making them sound crisp and clear. Staccato is often indicated in sheet music by a dot placed above or below the note. In addition to music, the concept of staccato can also apply to speech or writing, where ideas or phrases are presented in a brief, abrupt style. This can create a sense of urgency or emphasis, similar to how staccato notes add energy to a musical piece.