buffer
/'bʌfə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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
- an implement consisting of soft material mounted on a block; used for polishing (as in manicuring)
- a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact
- a power tool used to buff surfaces
- (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
- an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track
- a neutral zone between two rival powers that is created in order to diminish the danger of conflict
- (chemistry) an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH
Verb
- protect from impact
- cushion the blow
- add a buffer (a solution)
- buffered saline solution for the eyes