from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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}.
[1913 Webster]
2. One who polishes with a buff.
[1913 Webster]
3. A wheel for buffing; a buff.
[1913 Webster]
4. A good-humored, slow-witted fellow; -- usually said of an
elderly man. [Colloq.] --Dickens.
[1913 Webster]
5. (Chem.) a substance or mixture of substances which can
absorb or neutralize a certain quantity of acid or base
and thus keep the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a
solution (as measured by pH) relatively stable. Sometimes
the term is used in a medical context to mean {antacid}.
[PJC]
6. (Computers) a data storage device or portion of memory
used to temporarily store input or output data until the
receiving device is ready to process it.
[PJC]
7. any object or person that shields another object or person
from harm, shock, or annoyance; as, the President's staff
is his buffer from constant interruptions of his work.
[PJC]