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Staccato (sta-KAH-to: It., detached). The shortened performance of a note (or group of notes) so that it sounds only for a moment, the major part of its written value being replaced by a rest. It is indicated either by the word staccato or, more frequently, by dots placed over the notes.
--The Harvard Dictionary of Music
How often has this definition been helpful in your teaching? Always ... sometimes ... never? In most cases, we explain that a staccato note is short and detached, knowing that in actual execution within a piece, the length of any staccato or detached note is ever changing. It must fit the mood and style of the section in which it occurs. ...
Source: HighBeam Research, Having a "ball" with Staccato.