Staccato

According to Elizabeth Green, any on the string stroke with a stop at the end of it may fall under the term "staccato." Staccato notes can be played with separate bows, or several staccato notes may be played in a single direction, known as "slurred staccato."

The staccato is usually indicated with a dot above or below the note. Unfortunately, not all dots indicate an on the string staccato stroke. Dots are used in string music to indicate off the string strokes as well, such as spiccato, sautillé, or ricochet. The performer needs to study preformance traditions, style, and often make an artistic judgement about how to interpret passages marked as staccato. 

Staccato notes on a string instrument may  use the upper half of the bow with short strokes, but can also involve the use of the whole bow in a rapid motion. The note may use a long or short bow, but if it is followed by a momentary stop, it is some variety of staccato.

Upbow staccato is easier than downbow. Most slurred staccato is done upbow.

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