Buffer (Noun)
Meaning 1
A cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The mountain bike's suspension system served as a buffer between the rider and the rough terrain, providing a smoother ride.
- The boxing ring's ropes acted as a buffer, helping to absorb some of the impact of the fighter's falls.
- The cars were equipped with crash buffers to reduce the force of impact in the event of a collision.
- The thick rubber buffer on the forklift helped protect the operator from jolts and bumps while navigating rough warehouse floors.
- The airbags in the car deployed to act as a buffer between the occupants and the crash, reducing the risk of injury.
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Meaning 2
(chemistry) an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
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Meaning 3
An inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The old steam engine's buffer was dented and worn from years of service on the mountain railway.
- Locomotive engineers must ensure that the buffer is properly secured before entering a tunnel.
- During maintenance, the buffer is typically the first part of the locomotive to be removed for inspection.
- The buffer on the freight train was badly damaged in the derailment and required extensive repairs.
- Steam locomotives typically have a sturdy buffer at the front to absorb shocks from coupling and decoupling with other cars.
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Meaning 4
An implement consisting of soft material mounted on a block; used for polishing (as in manicuring).
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The nail technician used a buffer to smooth out the ridges on her client's nail.
- A buffer is essential for achieving a high shine on acrylic nails.
- To remove imperfections, the nail artist gently rubbed the buffer back and forth.
- She picked up the buffer and began to shape her client's nail to perfection.
- The nail technician applied a light touch with the buffer to avoid creating scratches.
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Meaning 5
A neutral zone between two rival powers that is created in order to diminish the danger of conflict.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- A neutral buffer zone was established between the two warring countries to prevent further clashes.
- The area between the two hostile nations was designated as a buffer zone to reduce tensions and prevent conflict escalation.
- The city was a buffer between the two rival states, providing a safe passage for diplomats and traders.
- The creation of a buffer zone between the opposing forces helped to decrease the risk of armed conflict.
- The demilitarized zone served as a buffer between the two countries, protecting civilians from cross-border attacks.
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Meaning 6
(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.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The serial interface of the microcontroller has a 16-byte buffer for incoming data.
- A disk buffer is used to cache frequently accessed data and to speed up disk access.
- The network protocol uses a buffer of 2000 bytes to assemble packets of data before they are sent over the Internet.
- If the buffer is too small, data may be lost when the sending system produces information faster than the receiving system can process it.
- The print buffer allows the computer to continue processing other tasks while waiting for the printer to catch up.
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Meaning 7
A power tool used to buff surfaces.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The buffer attachment on the power drill made quick work of polishing the aluminum wheel.
- To remove stubborn scratches, the mechanic applied a buffing compound to the buffer and ran it over the affected area.
- The buffer's high speed and flexible pad made it perfect for smoothing out fine details on the wooden model.
- With a few passes of the buffer, the old chrome trim on the car began to shine like new.
- After completing the sanding process, the carpenter switched to a buffer to apply a high-gloss finish to the floor.