I. ˈrif noun
( -s )
Etymology: Dutch rif — more at reef
dialect : reef
giant rays frequent the tidal riffs — Hodding Carter & Anthony Ragusin
Long Riff, Virgin Islands
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: back-formation from midriff
obsolete : diaphragm
III. noun
also rif ˈrif
( plural riffs -fs ; or riffi -fē ; or riff )
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: from Er Rif, coastal area of northern Morocco
: a Berber of Er Rif, a hilly coastal region of northern Morocco — called also Riffian
IV. ˈrif noun
( -s )
Etymology: short for riffle (I)
dialect : riffle , ripple
beyond the breakers or in the riffs at the inlet — E.A.Weeks
V. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: short for riffle (II)
: riffle , skim
riff through the pages of a book
riff through items on a bargain counter
VI. noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably by shortening and alteration from refrain
: a short rhythmic jazz figure repeated without melodic development and often serving as background of a solo improvisation ; also : a piece constructed on such a repeated figure
VII. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to perform or make use of riffs especially in jazz
VIII. noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
: a tap dance step of foot swing and ball-heel or heel-ball impact in any direction
IX. transitive verb
also rif “
( riffed ; riffed ; riffing ; riffs also rifs )
Etymology: RIFrench
: to discharge especially from government service for reasons of economy
X. noun
1. : a rapid energetic often improvised verbal tour de force ; especially : one that is part of a comic performance
2. : a succinct usually witty comment
XI. intransitive verb
: to deliver or make use of a verbal riff