'Leitmotif' definitions:

Definition of 'leitmotif'

(from WordNet)
noun
A melodic phrase that accompanies the reappearance of a person or situation (as in Wagner's operas) [syn: leitmotiv, leitmotif]

Definition of 'Leitmotif'

From: GCIDE
  • Leitmotif \Leit"mo*tif"\, Leitmotiv \Leit"mo*tiv"\(l[imac]t"m[-o]*t[-e]f"), n. [G., leading motive.]
  • 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 {Leading motive}. [1913 Webster +PJC]
  • 2. a recurring theme in the activities of a person or group. [PJC]

Definition of 'leitmotif'

From: GCIDE
  • Leading \Lead"ing\, a. Guiding; directing; controlling; foremost; as, a leading motive; a leading man; a leading example. -- {Lead"ing*ly}, adv. [1913 Webster]
  • Leading case (Law), a reported decision which has come to be regarded as settling the law of the question involved. --Abbott.
  • Leading motive [a translation of G. leitmotif] (Mus.), a guiding theme; in the musical drama of Wagner, a marked melodic phrase or short 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 leitmotif or leitmotiv.
  • Leading note (Mus.), the seventh note or tone in the ascending major scale; the sensible note.
  • Leading question, a question so framed as to guide the person questioned in making his reply.
  • Leading strings, strings by which children are supported when beginning to walk.
  • To be in leading strings, to be in a state of infancy or dependence, or under the guidance of others.
  • Leading wheel, a wheel situated before the driving wheels of a locomotive engine. [1913 Webster]