BUFFER
buff, buffer
(noun) an implement consisting of soft material mounted on a block; used for polishing (as in manicuring)
buffer, fender
(noun) a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact
buffer, polisher
(noun) a power tool used to buff surfaces
buffer, buffer storage, buffer store
(noun) (computer science) a part of RAM used for temporary storage of data that is waiting to be sent to a device; used to compensate for differences in the rate of flow of data between components of a computer system
fender, buffer, cowcatcher, pilot
(noun) an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track
buffer
(noun) (chemistry) an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH
buffer
(verb) add a buffer (a solution); “buffered saline solution for the eyes”
cushion, buffer, soften
(verb) protect from impact; “cushion the blow”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
buffer (plural buffers)
Someone or something that buffs.
A machine with rotary brushes, passed over a hard floor to clean it.
(chemistry) A solution used to stabilize the pH (acidity) of a liquid.
(computing) A portion of memory set aside to store data, often before it is sent to an external device or as it is received from an external device.
(mechanical) Anything used to maintain slack or isolate different objects.
(telecommunications) A routine or storage medium used to compensate for a difference in rate of flow of data, or time of occurrence of events, when transferring data from one device to another.
(rail) A device on trains and carriages designed to cushion the impact between them.
(rail) The metal barrier to help prevent trains from running off the end of the track.
An isolating circuit, often an amplifier, used to minimize the influence of a driven circuit on the driving circuit.
(politics, international relations) A buffer zone (such as a demilitarized zone) or a buffer state.
(colloquial) A good-humoured, slow-witted fellow, usually an elderly man.
(figurative) A gap that isolates or separates two things.
Verb
buffer (third-person singular simple present buffers, present participle buffering, simple past and past participle buffered)
To use a buffer or buffers; to isolate or minimize the effects of one thing on another.
(computing) To store data in memory temporarily.
(chemistry) To maintain the acidity of a solution near a chosen value by adding an acid or a base.
Adjective
buffer
comparative form of buff
Anagrams
• rebuff
Source: Wiktionary
Buff"er, n. Etym: [Prop a striker. See Buffet a blow.]
1. (Mech.)
(a) An elastic apparatus or fender, for deadening the jar caused by
the collision of bodies; as, a buffer at the end of a railroad car.
(b) A pad or cushion forming the end of a fender, which recieves the
blow; -- sometimes called buffing apparatus.
2. One who polishes with a buff.
3. A wheel for buffing; a buff.
4. A good-humored, slow-witted fellow; -- usually said of an elderly
man. [Colloq.] Dickens.
BUFF
Buff, n. Etym: [OE. buff, buffe, buff, buffalo, F. buffle buffalo.
See Buffalo.]
1. A sort of leather, prepared from the skin of the buffalo, dressed
with oil, like chamois; also, the skins of oxen, elks, and other
animals, dressed in like manner. "A suit of buff." Shak.
2. The color to buff; a light yellow, shading toward pink, gray, or
brown.
A visage rough, Deformed, unfeatured, and a skin of buff. Dryden.
3. A military coat, made of buff leather. Shak.
4. (Med.)
Definition: The grayish viscid substance constituting the buffy coat. See
Buffy coat, under Buffy, a.
5. (Mech.)
Definition: A wheel covered with buff leather, and used in polishing
cutlery, spoons, etc.
6. The bare skin; as, to strip to the buff. [Colloq.]
To be in buff is equivalent to being naked. Wright.
Buff, a.
1. Made of buff leather. Goldsmith.
2. Of the color of buff. Buff coat, a close, military outer garment,
with short sleeves, and laced tightly over the chest, made of buffalo
skin, or other thick and elastic material, worn by soldiers in the
17th century as a defensive covering.
– Buff jerkin, originally, a leather waistcoat; afterward, one of
cloth of a buff color. [Obs.] Nares.
– Buff stick (Mech.), a strip of wood covered with buff leather,
used in polishing.
Buff, v. t.
Definition: To polish with a buff. See Buff, n., 5.
Buff, v. t. Etym: [OF. bufer to cuff, buffet. See Buffet a blow.]
Definition: To strike. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
Buff, n. Etym: [See Buffet.]
Definition: A buffet; a blow; -- obsolete except in the phrase "Blindman's
buff."
Nathless so sore a buff to him it lent That made him reel. Spenser.
Buff, a. Etym: [Of uncertain etymol.]
Definition: Firm; sturdy.
And for the good old cause stood buff, 'Gainst many a bitter kick and
cuff. Hudibras.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition