| n. | 1. | (Mus.) a guiding theme; in Wagnerian opera, a marked melodic phrase or short musical passage which always accompanies the reappearance of a certain person, situation, abstract idea, or allusion in the course of the play; a sort of musical label. Also called |
| 2. | a recurring theme in the activities of a person or group. |
| Noun | 1. | leitmotif - a melodic phrase that accompanies the reappearance of a person or situation (as in Wagner's operas) Synonyms: leitmotiv |