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| buff·er [ búffər ] |
noun (plural buff·ers) |
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| Definition: |
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1. protector against impact: somebody or something that reduces shock or impact or protects against other harm, usually by interception
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2. comput memory area: a temporary storage area for data being transmitted between two devices that function at different speeds. A buffer enables a faster device such as a computer to complete sending the data and begin another task without waiting for a slower device such as a printer.
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3. chemistry substance maintaining pH: a substance that minimizes a change in pH of a solution by neutralizing added acids and bases, or a solution containing such a substance
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4. U.K. rail device on train or track: a spring-loaded or hydraulic pad attached to the end of rolling stock or at the end of a railroad track. It stops the train running off the end of the track and may also absorb impact.
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transitive verb (past and past participle buff·ered, present participle buff·er·ing, 3rd person present singular buff·ers) |
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| Definition: |
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1. cushion something against shock: to protect something against impact, or reduce the shock of an impact
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2. chemistry add buffer to solution: to add to a solution a substance that will keep its pH constant
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| [Mid-19th century. < obsolete buff "hit something softly," perhaps < French bufe (see buffet2)] |
