buff
buff Lexical Profile
buff Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Physically fit, muscular, and toned in appearance (informal).
"After six months of dedicated strength training, he looked noticeably more buff."
Of a moderate, pale yellowish-brown or light tan color.
"The archive stored the historical manuscripts inside sturdy, buff envelopes."
• noun
A person who is enthusiastically interested in and very knowledgeable about a particular subject.
"As a lifelong cinema buff, she could identify almost any classic film from a single frame."
A yellowish-beige or light brownish-yellow color, originally matching that of undyed buffalo leather.
"The living room walls were painted a warm shade of buff to complement the oak flooring."
A stout, velvety, dull-yellow leather originally made from buffalo skin and now typically from oxhide, or an implement covered with such leather used for polishing.
"The jeweler used a revolving felt buff to give the silver ring a mirror finish."
• verb
To polish or shine a surface until it is smooth and glossy by rubbing it with a soft cloth or pad.
"He spent the afternoon waxing and buffing the vintage car until its paintwork gleamed."
To make a character, weapon, or ability stronger or more effective (in video games and role-playing games).
"The latest software patch buffed several underperforming classes to balance competitive play."
• Rhymes for buff
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from French 'buffle' (buffalo), originally referring to the tough, yellowish-brown leather made from buffalo hide, and later extended to its color, the act of polishing with such leather, and enthusiastic fans (originally volunteer firefighters in New York who wore buff-colored coats).