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Vinony

motif

noun

  1. traditional elements found in the lore of particular folk groups
  2. in textile arts, a recurring component of a larger design
  3. short musical idea, a salient recurring figure, musical fragment or succession of notes that has some special importance in or is characteristic of a composition
  4. significant element of an artistic work, often recurring
L24400 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /moʊˈtiːf/

noun

Etymology: From French motif (1848), with the meaning of "main idea or theme". Doublet of motive.

  1. A recurring or dominant element; an artistic theme.

    “See how the artist repeats the scroll motif throughout the work?”

  2. A short melodic or lyrical passage that is repeated in several parts of a work.
  3. A decorative figure that is repeated in a design or pattern.
  4. A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming.
  5. The physical object or objects repeated at each point of a lattice. Usually atoms or molecules.
  6. A basic element of a move in terms of why the piece moves and how it supports the fulfilment of a stipulation.
  7. In a nucleotide or aminoacid sequence, pattern that is widespread and has, or is conjectured to have, a biological significance.