Usually refers to earthen mounds for medieval castle defense in Europe.

Historic Fortification

The motte is distinctly visible as a raised area in the terrain.

Distinctive Landscape

Mottes were built for strategic surveillance and defense purposes.

In biology, it describes a small bundle, like a clump of hair or fibers.

A motte might be used to describe a difference in texture, like soft tufts against rough fur.

Motte hones in on a precise area rather than a general feature.