Definition

1. Noun:

   • A protective cushioning device: A physical object or mechanism designed to absorb shock or impact, preventing damage.
   • A temporary data storage area: In computing, a reserved section of memory used to hold data temporarily while it is being moved from one place to another, especially to manage differences in speed between devices.
   • A neutral or intermediate zone: A person, country, or area that separates two opposing or rival forces, reducing the chance of direct conflict.
   • A chemical solution that resists pH change: In chemistry, a substance that minimizes changes in the concentration of hydrogen ions, maintaining a stable pH level.
   • A tool for polishing: An implement, often with a soft material attached, used for polishing surfaces.

2. Verb:

   • To protect from impact: To act as a cushion or shield against shock, force, or unpleasant effects.
   • To add a chemical buffer: To treat a solution with a substance that stabilizes its pH.
   • To use a temporary data store: In computing, to collect or hold data in a buffer before processing or sending it.

Examples

• Noun:

  • The train's buffer absorbed the impact during the low-speed collision.
  • The video player uses a buffer to prevent interruptions in streaming.
  • The small country acted as a buffer between the two warring empires.
  • This phosphate solution is an effective buffer in biological experiments.

• Verb:

  • Tall trees buffer the house from the noise of the highway.
  • It is important to buffer the solution to maintain a constant pH for the reaction.
  • The software will buffer the next few seconds of audio to ensure smooth playback.

Advanced Usage

• "To have savings as a buffer": To have extra money saved to protect against unexpected financial problems.

  • It's wise to have some savings as a buffer against sudden unemployment.

• "Buffer state/zone": A country or area lying between two larger, potentially hostile powers.

  • Historically, Afghanistan served as a buffer state between British and Russian spheres of influence.

Variants and Related Words

• Buffering (n/gerund): The process or state of using a buffer. Commonly refers to the loading delay in video/audio streaming.

  • The constant buffering made the movie unwatchable.

• Bufferable (adj): Capable of being buffered.

  • The data stream is bufferable.

• Buffered (adj/verb past tense): Treated with or protected by a buffer.

  • Use a buffered aspirin to reduce stomach irritation.
  • The data was buffered before being written to the disk.

Synonyms

• Noun: Cushion, shield, intermediary, shock absorber, cache (computing).
• Verb: Cushion, shield, soften, mitigate, insulate.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Buffer against: To protect someone or something from something harmful.
  • A good education can buffer you against economic downturns.

Related Idioms

• "Old buffer" (British, informal, often derogatory): An elderly man, especially one seen as old-fashioned or ineffectual.
  • He's just a harmless old buffer who spends his days in the club.

Noun

1. an implement consisting of soft material mounted on a block; used for polishing (as in manicuring)
2. a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact
3. a power tool used to buff surfaces
4. (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
5. an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track
6. a neutral zone between two rival powers that is created in order to diminish the danger of conflict
7. (chemistry) an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH

Verb

1. protect from impact
   • cushion the blow
2. add a buffer (a solution)
   • buffered saline solution for the eyes