motif

noun

1. 1

   A recurring or dominant element; a theme.

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

2. 2

   A short melodic passage that is repeated in several parts of a work.

3. 3

   A decorative figure that is repeated in a design or pattern.

4. 4

   A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming.

5. 5

   The physical object or objects repeated at each point of a lattice. Usually atoms or molecules.

6. 6

   A basic element of a move in terms of why the piece moves and how it supports the fulfilment of a stipulation.

7. 7

   In a nucleotide or amino-acid sequence, pattern that is widespread and has, or is conjectured to have, a biological significance.