1. A device, apparatus, or material which reduces mechanical shock due to impact.
2. A device located at the bottom of an elevator hoistway, designed to stop a car or counterweight from descending beyond its normal limit of travel; motion beyond this limit is taken up by storing or by absorbing and dissipating the kinetic energy of the car or counterweight. Also see oil buffer, spring buffer.
3. Any type of barrier that limits the scattering of rock as a result of blasting.
4. A material that absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and then releases it when the surrounding air becomes drier.
5. Landscaping used to block a view, fully or in part.
6. The zone around a water source or wetland designed to protect the waters features.
7. An area adjacent to a stream, shoreline, or wetland where development is restricted.