acciaccatura

English - English

Definition of acciaccatura in English English dictionary

A short grace note (theoretically taking no time at all), occurring on the beat occupied by the main note to which it is prefixed, one scale-step higher or lower than that main note. (Sometimes equivalent, therefore, to a short appoggiatura, but in Baroque music interpreted differently and more strictly.) Written as a note lighter in appearance, typically a quaver (eighth note), with an oblique stroke through the stem

an embellishing note usually written in smaller size

A short grace note, one semitone below the note to which it is prefixed; used especially in organ music

Now used as equivalent to the short appoggiatura

{i} (Music) brief embellishing note performed as fast as possible before a principal note

Hyphenation

ac·ciac·ca·tu·ra

Etymology

() From Italian acciaccare (“to crush”)