Which term defines "slurred staccato" in music?

The term that defines "slurred staccato" in music is "portato." Portato is a technique that combines elements of both legato and staccato. In this articulation, notes are played in a smooth, connected fashion (like legato) while still maintaining a slight separation, creating a feeling of lightness or lift between the notes. This is achieved by slurring the notes together while still applying a gentle lift or emphasis on each individual note.

This technique is particularly effective for conveying a sense of buoyancy and phrasing in music, where the performer seeks to blend articulation types to enhance expressiveness. Understanding portato can be essential for musicians aiming to interpret a piece with the appropriate emotional nuance and technical precision.