legato

adjective, adverb Music.

1. smooth and connected; without breaks between the successive tones.

adjective, adverb

1. to be performed smoothly and connectedly

noun plural -tos

2. 1. a style of playing in which no perceptible gaps are left between notes
   2. (as modifier)a legato passage

1811, from Italian legato, literally “bound,” past participle of legare, from Latin ligare (see ligament). Of music to be played smoothly, without intervals.