buffer : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: buffer	by the DICT Development Group
3 results for buffer
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
buffer n (chemistry) an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH a neutral zone between two rival powers that is created in order to diminish the danger of conflict Synonym(s): buffer zone, buffer an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track Synonym(s): fender, buffer, cowcatcher, pilot (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 Synonym(s): buffer, buffer storage, buffer store a power tool used to buff surfaces Synonym(s): buffer, polisher a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact Synonym(s): buffer, fender an implement consisting of soft material mounted on a block; used for polishing (as in manicuring) Synonym(s): buff, buffer v add a buffer (a solution); "buffered saline solution for the eyes" protect from impact; "cushion the blow" Synonym(s): cushion, buffer, soften
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Buffer \Buff"er\ (b[ucr]f"[etil]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}. 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.] --Dickens.
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
buffer 1. An area of memory used for storing messages. Typically, a buffer will have other attributes such as an input pointer (where new data will be written into the buffer), and output pointer (where the next item will be read from) and/or a count of the space used or free. Buffers are used to decouple processes so that the reader and writer may operate at different speeds or on different sized blocks of data. There are many different algorithms for using buffers, e.g. first-in first-out (FIFO or shelf), last-in first-out (LIFO or stack), double buffering (allowing one buffer to be read while the other is being written), cyclic buffer (reading or writing past the end wraps around to the beginning). 2. An electronic device to provide compatibility between two signals, e.g. changing voltage levels or current capability.