Hypertext Webster Gateway: "buffer"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Buffer \Buff"er\ (b[u^]f"[~e]r), n. [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
receives 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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
buffer
n 1: an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH
2: an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to
clear the track [syn: {fender}, {cowcatcher}, {pilot}]
3: (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 [syn: {buffer
storage}, {buffer store}]
4: a power tool used to buff surfaces [syn: {polisher}]
5: a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to contact
[syn: {fender}]
6: an implement consisting of soft material mounted on a block;
used for polishing (as in manicuring) [syn: {buff}]
v 1: add a buffer to; of solutions; "buffered saline solution for
the eyes"
2: protect from impact; "cushion the blow" [syn: {cushion}, {soften}]
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