What is the definition of an arpeggio in music?

An arpeggio in music is defined as a broken chord performed melodically, which means the notes of the chord are played sequentially rather than simultaneously. This technique allows the notes to be expressed in a flowing manner, creating a distinct melodic line. Arpeggios are often used in various genres to add complexity and texture to the music, enabling a smoother connection between harmonies.

The other definitions listed involve different musical concepts. A repeated short musical pattern refers to patterns such as a motif or ostinato, which can provide rhythmic or thematic consistency but do not represent the sequential nature of an arpeggio. The suggestion that notes of the same pitch with different names pertains to enharmonic equivalents, which describes how the same sound can be notated in different ways but does not relate to the idea of playing notes in a sequence. Lastly, ornaments applied to notes, such as trills or mordents, involve embellishing a single note rather than outlining the individual notes within a chord, which establishes a clear distinction from arpeggios.