Alternate Definitions for motif

Definition: A repeating structural arrangement of atoms or ions in a crystalline solid.

Example: In olivine ((Mg,Fe)SiO3), the SiO4 tetrahedral units are the repeating motif.

Definition: An arrangement of atoms in a material, typically one that is visually recognizable and therefore does not contain more than 5-20 atoms.

Example: In an alloy of Cr, Co, and Ni, Ni prefers to be surrounded by Cr and other Ni, so that motif shows up frequently.