1.  riff(n = noun.person) riffian - a Berber living in northern Morocco;
is a kind of berber

2.  riff(n = noun.communication) - a jazz ostinato; usually provides a background for a solo improvisation;
is a kind of ostinato
Derived form verb riff₂

1.  riff(v = verb.perception) flick, flip, leaf, riffle, thumb - look through a book or other written material; "He thumbed through the report"; "She leafed through the volume"
is one way to peruse
Sample sentences: Somebody ----s PP

2.  riff(v = verb.creation) - play riffs;
is one way to play, spiel
Derived form noun riff₂
Sample sentences: Somebody ----s

riff, n. & v.
--n. a short repeated phrase in jazz etc.
--v.intr. play riffs.

Etymology:
20th c.: abbr. of RIFFLE n.