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Definition of idée maîtresse in English:

idée maîtresse

(also idée maitresse)

Pronunciation /ˌiːdeɪ meɪˈtrɛs/ /ˌiːdeɪ ˌmɛˈtrɛs/

noun

  • A leading idea.

Origin

Early 20th century; earliest use found in The Philosophical Review. From French idée maîtresse from idée + maîtresse.