acciaccature
n. countablen. a small note in music that is played very quickly before the main note. It is often written as a small 'x' or a small note with a cross.
n. a grace note that is struck simultaneously with the main note or immediately before it, typically represented by a cross or a small note with a crosshead. Often used in Baroque and classical music to add ornamentation.
The pianist added an acciaccature to the melody for extra flair.
In the original manuscript, the composer used an acciaccature to indicate a sharp, staccato emphasis on the first beat of the measure.
While the modern performer might interpret the acciaccature as a simple grace note, its historical execution often required a simultaneous strike of the main key and the grace note, creating a percussive effect.