n.[C]

1. （文學、藝術作品的）主題，中心思想
   This opera contains a love motif.

   這齣歌劇有個愛情主題。

2. （服裝設計等的）基本圖案，基調
   a flower motif in wallpaper

   壁紙的一種花朵圖案

3. 動機，主旨
   the profit motif

   贏利的動機

n.

1. a single or recurring image forming a design.
2. a distinctive or dominant theme in a work of art.
3. a decorative device applied to a garment or textile.
4. Biochemistry  a distinctive sequence on a protein or DNA, having a three-dimensional structure that allows binding interactions to occur.