Buffer /(bŭf"ẽr)/

Buff·er

Buffer

n.
  1. 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. (Mech.)
  2. One who polishes with a buff.
  3. A wheel for buffing; a buff.
  4. A good-humored, slow-witted fellow; -- usually said of an elderly man. [Colloq.]
  5. 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. (Chem.)
  6. 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. (Computers)
  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.

buffer

v. t.
  1. to add a buffer{5} to (a solution), so as to reduce unwanted fluctuation of acidity. (Chem.)