BUFFER

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does buffer mean? 

• BUFFER (noun)
  The noun BUFFER has 7 senses:

1. (chemistry) an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH

2. a neutral zone between two rival powers that is created in order to diminish the danger of conflict

3. an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track

4. (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

5. a power tool used to buff surfaces

6. a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact

7. an implement consisting of soft material mounted on a block; used for polishing (as in manicuring)

  Familiarity information: BUFFER used as a noun is common.

• BUFFER (verb)
  The verb BUFFER has 2 senses:

1. add a buffer (a solution)

2. protect from impact

  Familiarity information: BUFFER used as a verb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BUFFER (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(chemistry) an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH

Classified under:

Nouns denoting substances

Hypernyms ("buffer" is a kind of...):

chemical compound; compound ((chemistry) a substance formed by chemical union of two or more elements or ingredients in definite proportion by weight)

Domain category:

chemical science; chemistry (the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions)

Holonyms ("buffer" is a substance of...):

buffer solution (a solution containing a buffer)

Derivation:

buffer (add a buffer (a solution))

Sense 2

Meaning:

A neutral zone between two rival powers that is created in order to diminish the danger of conflict

Classified under:

Nouns denoting spatial position

Synonyms:

buffer; buffer zone

Hypernyms ("buffer" is a kind of...):

zone (an area or region distinguished from adjacent parts by a distinctive feature or characteristic)

Sense 3

Meaning:

An inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

buffer; cowcatcher; fender; pilot

Hypernyms ("buffer" is a kind of...):

frame; framework (a structure supporting or containing something)

Holonyms ("buffer" is a part of...):

engine; locomotive; locomotive engine; railway locomotive (a wheeled vehicle consisting of a self-propelled engine that is used to draw trains along railway tracks)

Sense 4

Meaning:

(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

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

buffer; buffer storage; buffer store

Hypernyms ("buffer" is a kind of...):

memory device; storage device (a device that preserves information for retrieval)

Domain category:

computer science; computing (the branch of engineering science that studies (with the aid of computers) computable processes and structures)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "buffer"):

cache; memory cache ((computer science) RAM memory that is set aside as a specialized buffer storage that is continually updated; used to optimize data transfers between system elements with different characteristics)

frame buffer ((computer science) a buffer that stores the contents of an image pixel by pixel)

keyboard buffer (a buffer that keeps track of key strokes until the computer is ready to respond to them)

print buffer (a buffer that stores data until the printer is ready)

Holonyms ("buffer" is a part of...):

RAM; random-access memory; random access memory; random memory; read/write memory (the most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on; an integrated circuit memory chip allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible)

Sense 5

Meaning:

A power tool used to buff surfaces

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

buffer; polisher

Hypernyms ("buffer" is a kind of...):

power tool (a tool driven by a motor)

Meronyms (parts of "buffer"):

buffing wheel (a wheel that is covered with soft material)

Derivation:

buff (polish and make shiny)

Sense 6

Meaning:

A cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

buffer; fender

Hypernyms ("buffer" is a kind of...):

device (an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose)

Holonyms ("buffer" is a part of...):

auto; automobile; car; machine; motorcar (a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine)

Derivation:

buffer (protect from impact)

Sense 7

Meaning:

An implement consisting of soft material mounted on a block; used for polishing (as in manicuring)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

buff; buffer

Hypernyms ("buffer" is a kind of...):

implement (instrumentation (a piece of equipment or tool) used to effect an end)

Derivation:

buff (polish and make shiny)

• BUFFER (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they buffer    ... he / she / it buffers   
Past simple: buffered   
Past participle: buffered   
-ing form: buffering   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Add a buffer (a solution)

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Context example:

buffered saline solution for the eyes

Hypernyms (to "buffer" is one way to...):

modify (make less severe or harsh or extreme)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

buffer ((chemistry) an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Protect from impact

Classified under:

Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging

Synonyms:

buffer; cushion; soften

Context example:

cushion the blow

Hypernyms (to "buffer" is one way to...):

modify (make less severe or harsh or extreme)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s something

Derivation:

buffer (a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact)

 Context examples 

A nasal spray containing a phosphate-buffered solution of the citrate salt form of fentanyl, a short-acting, synthetic, lipophilic anilidopiperidine opioid, with analgesic activity.

(Fentanyl Citrate-containing Nasal Spray, NCI Thesaurus)

An instrument that is able to count and sort microscopic particles suspended in a buffer.

(Flow Cytometer, NCI Thesaurus)

Examples include short term storage in buffered media with serum at reduced temperature and long term cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen.

(Embryo Preservation, NCI Thesaurus)

Ca2+ binding to regulatory proteins induces conformational/functional change; Ca2+ binding to structural proteins seems to provide a Ca2+ buffer.

(EF-Hand Domain, NCI Thesaurus)

The skeleton participates in pH homeostasis as a buffering organ and osteoblasts respond to pH changes in the physiologic range.

(G Protein-Coupled Receptor 68, NCI Thesaurus)

This agent and its derivatives can used in formulation of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food products as additive or buffer salts.

(Gluconic Acid, NCI Thesaurus)

Phosphate buffers are typically adjusted to maintain a certain pH or are "buffered" with other chemical compounds.

(Phosphate Buffer, NCI Thesaurus)

Important homeostatic mechanisms in the maintenance of blood pH include the buffering action of bicarbonate, and the actions of the renal-respiratory system.

(pH Homeostasis, NCI Thesaurus)

Although its mechanism of action is unknown, pentosan polysulfate may act as a buffer to control cell permeability by preventing irritating solutes from reaching cells coated with it.

(Pentosan polysulfate, NCI Thesaurus)

Magnesium combines with water to form magnesium hydroxide which reacts chemically to neutralize or buffer existing quantities of stomach acid; stomach-content and intra-esophageal pH rise, resulting in a decrease in pepsin activity.

(Magnesium Oxide, NCI Thesaurus)