noun

1. 1. the use of a word or words in a figurative sense
   2. a figure of speech
   3. figurative language in general
2. a common, often conventional, theme, motif, style, etc.
3. in the medieval church,
   1. the interpolation of a phrase or passage into the authorized service: such passages were later developed into dramatic dialogues
   2. any such passage

Etymology: L tropus < Gr tropos, a turning, turn, figure of speech (akin to tropē, a turn) < trepein, to turn < IE base *trep-, to turn