Buffer Definition
bŭfər
buffered, buffering, buffers
noun
buffers
A person who buffs or polishes.
Webster's New World
A buffing wheel, stick, block, or cloth.
Webster's New World
Something that lessens or absorbs the shock of an impact.
American Heritage
A device using padding, springs, hydraulic pressure, etc. to lessen or absorb the shock of collision or impact.
Webster's New World
One that protects by intercepting or moderating adverse pressures or influences.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
- buffer storage
- buffer store
- buffer-zone
- pilot
- cowcatcher
- fender
- polisher
- buff
- jointer
- dividers
- stapler
- screwdriver
- zone
- screen
- safeguard
verb
buffered, buffering, buffers
(computing) To store data in memory temporarily.
Wiktionary
To act as a buffer for or between.
American Heritage
To protect against shock or impact; cushion or insulate.
Webster's New World
To add a buffer to (a solution)
Webster's New World
To hold or collect (data) in a buffer.
American Heritage
Origin of Buffer
-
Agent noun from obsolete verb buff (“make a dull sound when struck”)(mid-16c.), from Old French buffe (“blow”).
From Wiktionary
Probably from obsolete buff to make a sound like a soft body being hit of imitative origin
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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