motif

mo·tif   (mō-tēf')    n.   A recurrent thematic element in an artistic or literary work. A dominant theme or central idea. Music A short rhythmic or melodic passage that is repeated or evoked in various parts of a composition. A repeated figure or design in architecture or decoration. See Synonyms at figure. [French, from Old French, motive; see motive.]

motif [(moh-teef)]

In literature, art, or music, a recurring set of words, shapes, colors, or notes. In the poem “The Raven,” by Edgar Allan Poe, for example, the word nevermore is a motif appearing at the end of each stanza. Likewise, the first four notes of the Fifth Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven are a motif that is developed and reshaped throughout the work.

motif 

Main Entry: mo·tif
Pronunciation: mO-'tEf
Function: noun
: a distinctive usually recurrent molecular sequence (as of amino acids or base pairs) orstructural elements (as of secondary protein structures) motif consisting of two alpha helices>

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