Motif - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Motif :  (noun)
1: a design that consists of recurring shapes or colors
2: a theme that is elaborated on in a piece of music [syn: motive]
3: a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work; "it was the usual `boy gets girl' theme" [syn: theme]

Based on WordNet 2.0

Motif : \Mo"tif\, n. [F.] Motive.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

Motif : \Mo`tif"\, n. [F.] 1. In literature and the fine arts, a salient feature or element of a composition or work; esp., the theme, or central or dominant feature; specif. (Music), a motive.

This motif, of old things lost, is a favorite one for the serious ballade. --R. M. Alden.

The design . . . is . . . based on the peacock -- a motif favored by decorative artists of all ages. --R. D. Benn.

2. (Dressmaking) A decorative appliqu['e] design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

Motif : 

The standard graphical user interface and window manager from OSF, running on the X Window System.



Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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