/'bʌfə(r); `bʌfɚ/
n
1 device for lessening the effect of a blow or collision, esp on a railway vehicle or at the end of a railway track 缓冲器, 减震器（尤指设于铁路车辆或铁轨末端的）.
2 (fig 比喻) person or thing that lessens a shock or protects sb/sth against difficulties 缓冲者; 缓冲物
*His sense of humour was a useful buffer when things were going badly for him. 他有幽默感, 这使他在逆境中聊以自慰.
3 country or area between two powerful states, lessening the risk of war between them 缓冲国; 缓冲地区
*[attrib 作定语] a buffer state/zone 缓冲国[地带].

v [Tn] act as a buffer to (sb/sth) （对某人[某事物]）起缓冲作用; 缓和; 缓解.

/'bʌfə(r); `bʌfɚ/
n (usu 通常作 old buffer) (Brit infml 口) foolish or incompetent old man 老糊涂; 老朽
*a silly old buffer 一个老糊涂.