(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
A ~ is something that prevents something else from being harmed or that prevents two things from harming each other.
Keep savings as a ~ against unexpected cash needs...
The Prison Service acts as a ~ between the minister and his critics.
N-COUNT: oft N against/between n, N n
2.
If something is ~ed, it is protected from harm.
The company is ~ed by long-term contracts with growers.
VERB: be V-ed, also V n
3.
The ~s on a train or at the end of a railway line are two metal discs on springs that reduce the shock when a train hits them. (mainly BRIT)
N-COUNT: usu pl
4.
A ~ is an area in a computer’s memory where information can be stored for a short time. (COMPUTING)
N-COUNT