buffer
Other forms: buffers; buffered; buffering
A buffer is an object that either softens a blow like a fender, or helps buff or shine stuff, like a nail buffer.
Buffer comes from the Old French buff, a word that imitates the sound of a blow to a soft body. A person can also be a buffer if she keeps people prone to fighting from coming in contact or hurting each other, like a teacher who separates two rowdy kids at the lunch table. A buffer state is a country between two conflicting ones that helps them better get along by creating a buffer between them — like Mongolia is for China and Russia.
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protect from impact
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a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact
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an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track
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synonyms:
cowcatcher, fender, pilot
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type of:
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framework
a structure supporting or containing something
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framework
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a neutral zone between two rival powers that is created in order to diminish the danger of conflict
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synonyms:
buffer zone
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type of:
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zone
an area or region distinguished from adjacent parts by a distinctive feature or characteristic
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zone
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someone who shields you from a person or thing that is harmful or annoying
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an implement consisting of soft material mounted on a block; used for polishing (as in manicuring)
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a power tool used to buff surfaces
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synonyms:
polisher
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type of:
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power tool
a tool driven by a motor
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power tool
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(chemistry) an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH
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type of:
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chemical compound, compound
(chemistry) a substance formed by chemical union of two or more elements or ingredients in definite proportion by weight
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chemical compound, compound
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add a buffer (a solution)“buffered saline solution for the eyes”
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type of:
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modify
make less severe or harsh or extreme
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modify
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(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
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synonyms:
buffer storage, buffer store
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types:
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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
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frame buffer
(computer science) a buffer that stores the contents of an image pixel by pixel
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keyboard buffer
a buffer that keeps track of key strokes until the computer is ready to respond to them
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print buffer
a buffer that stores data until the printer is ready
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disk cache
a cache that stores copies of frequently used disk sectors in random access memory (RAM) so they can be read without accessing the slower disk
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type of:
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memory device, storage device
a device that preserves information for retrieval
/ˈbʌfər/
/ˈbʌfə/
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Vocabulary lists containing buffer
This memoir recounts Noah's childhood in South Africa during the last years of apartheid.
If you're struggling with computer science terminology, reboot and learn this list of essential vocabulary. Review hardware and software, networks and directories, encryption and firewalls, and much more. You'll definitely want to cache these words in your memory!
Mariam and Laila belong to different generations, but they develop a deep bond as their home city of Kabul, Afghanistan becomes more dangerous.