buffer

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun (chemistry) an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH
noun a neutral zone between two rival powers that is created in order to diminish the danger of conflict
noun an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track

From buff + -er.

Their chief importance consists in the fact that they are "buffer states" between China proper and European states. — Commercial Geography: A Book for High Schools, Commercial Courses, and Business Colleges, Jacques W. (Jacques Wardlaw) Redway
Since the Japanese aren't used to hackers, those bearded malcontents in firms who screw up business computers for spite, these workstations aren't buffered off sensitive parts of the system. — The Samurai Strategy, Thomas Hoover

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