noun. A short melody or pattern that is constantly repeated, usually in the same part at the same pitch.

noun. A piece of melody, a chord progression, or a bass figure that is repeated over and over as a musical accompaniment.

noun. a musical phrase repeated over and over during a composition

"Herrmann also introduced audiences to his affection for ostinato—short, repeated phrases of a few notes—a device he would use repeatedly throughout his career."

musical phrase  phrase  

ground bass  riff  

Otto  Swatow  grotto  legato  lotto  

appartement  asiento  cernat  cernerent  coloro