leitmotiv

Definition of Leitmotiv in English :

1. leitmotif, leitmotiv

a melodic phrase that accompanies the reappearance of a person or situation (as in Wagner's operas)

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Leitmotiv

noun

1. music

a recurring short melodic phrase or theme used, esp in Wagnerian music dramas, to suggest a character, thing, etc

2.

an often repeated word, phrase, image, or theme in a literary work

noun

1.

a short, recurring musical phrase or theme, esp. as used in Wagnerian opera to represent a given character, emotion, etc.

2.

a dominant theme or underlying pattern

n.

1. A melodic passage or phrase, especially in Wagnerian opera, associated with a specific character, situation, or element.

2. A dominant and recurring theme, as in a novel.