WordGarden.iobuffer
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈʌfə/
US
- /ˈbəfər/
Meanings
Noun
something that cushions, protects, or gives extra room against harm, loss, or pressure
a temporary area of computer memory used to hold data while it is being moved or processed
a chemical solution that resists changes in acidity or alkalinity
More meaningsFewer meanings
a device or part that absorbs shock between vehicles or machinery
Verb
to lessen the impact of something or protect against its effects
to temporarily store or preload digital data so it can play or transfer smoothly
Beyond the definition
Imagine building a sandcastle near the ocean waves. You might build a little wall of extra sand around it—that's a buffer! A buffer is something that protects from harm or helps lessen the impact of something else. It can be physical, like that sand wall, or figurative, like having some extra time built into your schedule to deal with unexpected problems.
You might buffer a delicate object during shipping by wrapping it in protective material. In computer science, a buffer is a temporary storage space for data. And if you're trying to avoid upsetting someone, you might use carefully chosen words as a buffer against their potential anger. A good buffer gives you breathing room!
A buffer serves as a protective barrier or intermediary between two things, lessening the impact of one on the other. It can be physical—like a shock absorber in a car protecting passengers from bumps in the road, or a retaining wall preventing erosion. "The forest acted as a buffer against the strong winds."
But "buffer" isn't limited to the physical world. It frequently appears in more abstract contexts. A financial buffer is extra money saved for emergencies. A time buffer is padding added to a schedule to account for delays. In chemistry and biology, a buffer solution resists changes in pH, maintaining stability.
In social situations, you might use humor as a buffer to defuse tension or soften bad news. Politically, a demilitarized zone can act as a buffer between warring nations. And in digital technology, data is often stored temporarily in a "buffer" before being processed to ensure smooth playback or transfer.
The core idea behind a buffer is always the same: it's something that absorbs shock, provides leeway, or creates separation to protect against unwanted consequences. Whether it's safeguarding your valuables, managing risk, or simply buying yourself some time, a buffer offers a layer of security and resilience.
Examples
- 1
Planning
We left a two-day buffer before the deadline so we could fix any last-minute problems.
- 2
Physical barrier
Tall hedges provide a buffer between the highway and the houses.
- Patterna buffer between A and B
something that separates or protects them
- 3
Financial safety
She keeps extra money in her account as a buffer against unexpected bills.
- Patterna buffer against + problem
protection from its effects
- 4
Cost protection
The company used long-term contracts to buffer itself against rising energy costs.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Data storage
The stream paused for a second while the player refilled its buffer.
- Domain
in computing/media, a buffer is temporary storage for data
- 6
Shipping protection
Add a layer of foam to buffer the glass during shipping.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- padding
- insulation
- shock absorber
Contrast
- exposure
- direct contact
Used with (collocations)
- buffer zone
- act as a buffer
- buffer against
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- buffernounverbadjective
Forms
- bufferspluralnounverbadjective
- buffering-ing formverbnounadjective
- bufferedpast tenseverbnounadjective