(also leit·motiv ) / ˈlaɪtməʊtiːf; NAmE -moʊ-/ noun (from German )
1.
( music ) a short tune in a piece of music that is often repeated and is connected with a particular person, thing or idea
2.
an idea or a phrase that is repeated often in a book or work of art, or is typical of a particular person or group
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WORD ORIGIN
late 19th cent.: from German Leitmotiv , from leit- leading (from leiten to lead) + Motiv motive.