leit·mo·tif also leit·mo·tiv 
(lītmō-tēf′)
(lītmō-tēf′)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.
[German Leitmotiv : leiten, to lead (from Middle High German, from Old High German leitan; see leit- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots) + Motiv, motif (from French motif; see MOTIF).]