motif, motive
(noun) a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration
theme, motif
(noun) a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work; “it was the usual ‘boy gets girl’ theme”
motif, motive
(noun) a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music
Source: WordNet® 3.1
motif (plural motifs)
A recurring or dominant element; a theme.
(music) A short melodic passage that is repeated in several parts of a work.
A decorative figure that is repeated in a design or pattern.
(dressmaking) A decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming.
(crystallography) The physical object or objects repeated at each point of a lattice. Usually atoms or molecules.
(chess) A basic element of a move in terms of why the piece moves and how it supports the fulfilment of a stipulation.
(biochemistry) In a nucleotide or amino-acid sequence, pattern that is widespread and has, or is conjectured to have, a biological significance.
Source: Wiktionary
Mo"tif, n. Etym: [F.]
Definition: Motive.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
28 April 2024
(adjective) of or relating to an inheritable character that is controlled by several genes at once; of or related to or determined by polygenes
The world’s most expensive coffee costs more than US$700 per kilogram. Asian palm civet – a cat-like creature in Indonesia, eats fruits, including select coffee cherries. It excretes partially digested seeds that produce a smooth, less acidic brew of coffee called kopi luwak.
