dot

1. A mark that represents a duration directive in musical notation. When placed to the right of the notehead, the dot indicates that a note should have half again its original duration. For example, if a dot is placed to the right of a half note, the note would then have the duration of a half note plus a quarter note. 

 

See dotted note; dotted rhythms.

 

2. A mark that represents an articulation directive in musical notation. When a dot is placed above or below a notehead, it indicates that the note should be played staccato.