QUIZZES
THIS PSAT VOCABULARY QUIZ IS PERFECT PRACTICE FOR THE REAL TEST
In our third teacher-created PSAT practice test there are new and unique vocabulary terms you may have never heard of! Can you guess what they mean?
Question 1 of 10
seclusion
OTHER WORDS FROM buffer
un·buff·ered, adjectiveDefinition for buffer (2 of 3)
buffer2
[ buhf-er ]
/ ˈbʌf ər /
noun
a device for polishing or buffing, as a buff stick or buff wheel.
a worker who uses such a device.
Definition for buffer (3 of 3)
buffer3
[ buhf-er ]
/ ˈbʌf ər /
noun British Slang.
a foolish or incompetent person.
a fellow; man.
a chief boatswain's mate in the British navy.
Origin of buffer
3First recorded in 1745–50; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for buffer
British Dictionary definitions for buffer (1 of 3)
buffer1
/ (ˈbʌfə) /
noun
verb (tr)
to insulate against or protect from shock; cushion
chem to add a buffer to (a solution)
Word Origin for buffer
C19: from buff ²
British Dictionary definitions for buffer (2 of 3)
buffer2
/ (ˈbʌfə) /
noun
any device used to shine, polish, etc; buff
a person who uses such a device
British Dictionary definitions for buffer (3 of 3)
buffer3
/ (ˈbʌfə) /
noun
British informal, offensive a stupid or bumbling man (esp in the phrase old buffer)
Word Origin for buffer
C18: perhaps from Middle English buffer stammerer
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for buffer
buffer
[ bŭf′ər ]
n.
A substance that minimizes change in the acidity of a solution when an acid or base is added to the solution.
v.
To treat a solution with a buffer.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for buffer
buffer
[ bŭf′ər ]
Chemistry A substance that prevents change in the acidity of a solution when an acid or base is added to the solution or when the solution is diluted. Buffers are used to make solutions of known pH, especially for instrument calibration purposes. Natural buffers also exist in living organisms, where biochemical reactions are very sensitive to changes in pH.
Computer Science A device or an area of a computer that temporarily stores data that is being transferred between two machines that process data at different rates, such as a computer and a printer.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for buffer
buffer
In chemistry, the components of a solution that can neutralize either an acid or a base and thus maintain a constant pH.
notes for buffer
Buffers are often used in medications designed to decrease acidity in the stomach.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.