What does senza pedale mean in piano?

The term "senza pedale" in piano music means "without pedal." It is used to indicate that the pianist should not use the sustain pedal for a certain section or passage of music. The sustain pedal is a foot pedal that, when depressed, sustains the sound of the notes played on the keyboard, allowing them to ring out for a longer duration.

By not using the pedal, the pianist allows the notes to decay naturally, creating a more delicate and nuanced sound. "senza pedale" can be used to create specific musical effects, such as staccato or portato articulation, or to highlight the clarity and separation of individual notes or melodic lines.