motif

From WikiWord, the free dictionary

/moʊˈtiːf/ English

Definitions

noun

A recurring or dominant element; a theme.“See how the artist repeats the scroll motif throughout the work?”
A short melodic passage that is repeated in several parts of a work.
A decorative figure that is repeated in a design or pattern.
A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming.

Related words

Synonyms

theme motive leitmotiv leitmotif pattern rationale purpose basis reason cause motivation ground bona mantra reasons subject

Associated

bioinformatics conserved rna toolkit ligand hydrophobic minted amino residue helix iconography kinase

Rhymes

grief brief belief relief lief disbelief beef reef sheaf leitmotif

References