buffer

1 :  any of various devices or pieces of material for reducing shock or damage due to contact

2 :  a means or device used as a cushion against the shock of fluctuations in business or financial activity

3 :  something that serves as a protective barrier: such asa :  buffer stateb :  a person who shields another especially from annoying routine mattersc :  mediator 1

4 :  a substance capable in solution of neutralizing both acids and bases and thereby maintaining the original acidity or basicity of the solution; also :  a solution containing such a substance

5 :  a temporary storage unit (as in a computer); especially :  one that accepts information at one rate and delivers it at another

1 :  to lessen the shock of :  cushion

2 :  to treat (something, such as an acid solution) with a buffer; also :  to prepare (aspirin) with an antacid

3 :  to collect (data) in a buffer

:  one that buffs

1:  a substance or mixture of substances (as bicarbonates and some proteins in biological fluids) that in solution tends to stabilize the hydrogen-ion concentration by neutralizing within limits both acids and bases

2:  buffer solution

:  to treat (as a solution or its acidity) with a buffer; also :  to prepare (aspirin) with an antacid