/ˈlaɪtmoʊtiːf/
/ˈlaɪtməʊˌtiːf/
leit·motif (also leit·motiv)
BrE /ˈlaɪtməʊtiːf/
NAmE /ˈlaɪtmoʊtiːf/
(from German)
(music)
a short tune in a piece of music that is often repeated and is connected with a particular person, thing or idea
an idea or a phrase that is repeated often in a book or work of art, or is typical of a particular person or group