Main Entry: leit·mo·tif

Variant(s): also leit·mo·tiv \ˈlīt-mō-ˌtēf\

Function: noun

Etymology: German Leitmotiv, from leiten to lead + Motiv motive

Date: circa 1876

1 : an associated melodic phrase or figure that accompanies the reappearance of an idea, person, or situation especially in a Wagnerian music drama
2 : a dominant recurring theme