buffer

n 1: an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH

2: an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to

clear the track [syn: {fender}, {cowcatcher}, {pilot}]

3: (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 [syn: {buffer

storage}, {buffer store}]

4: a power tool used to buff surfaces [syn: {polisher}]

5: a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to contact

[syn: {fender}]

v 1: add a buffer to; of solutions; "buffered saline solution for

the eyes"

2: protect from impact; "cushion the blow" [syn: {cushion}, {soften}]

Z-buffer

An {array} used to store the maximum Z {coordinate}

of any feature plotted at a given (X, Y) location on the

screen, used for {hidden line removal} in a 2D rendering of a

3D scene. The Z axis is perpendicular to the screen with

values increasing towards the viewer so that any point whose Z

coordinate is less than the corresponding Z-buffer value will

be hidden behind some feature which has already been plotted.

(1997-07-18)