Crossword Genius

Second time providing dominant theme ... (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

motif

'dominant theme' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'second time providing' is the wordplay.
'second' becomes 'mo' (both are short periods of time).
'time' becomes 't'.
'providing' becomes 'if' (I've seen this in other clues).
'mo'+'t'+'if'='MOTIF'

(Other definitions for motif that I've seen before include "Recurring theme, especially in music" , "Unifying idea in an artistic work" , "Theme, perhaps musical" , "Recurrent theme in music..." , "symbolic ornament" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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