(chemistry) an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH
"The chemist added a buffer solution to the beaker to ensure the pH remained stable during the acid-base reaction."
a neutral zone between two rival powers that is created in order to diminish the danger of conflict
"The small island nation was established as a buffer between the warring empires to prevent them from coming into direct contact."
an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track
"The engineer slammed on the brakes, but the heavy buffer absorbed the impact before the train could derail."
(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
"The program crashed because the audio buffer filled up while the video player couldn't keep pace with the incoming stream."
Someone or something that buffs.
"The soft cloth acted as a buffer to gently polish the scratched silverware without causing further damage."
A machine with rotary brushes, passed over a hard floor to clean it.
"After mopping up the spilled coffee, I pulled out the buffer to scrub away the stubborn ring on the hardwood floor."
In plain English: A buffer is something that sits between two things to protect them from hitting each other directly.
"The small amount of money in her emergency fund acts as a financial buffer during tough times."
Usage: As a noun in everyday contexts, a buffer refers to an item or person placed between two others to soften impact or delay action, rather than someone who polishes surfaces. You might use this word to describe a financial reserve, a neutral party in a conflict, or the space that slows down data transfer.
To use a buffer or buffers; to isolate or minimize the effects of one thing on another.
"The company installed shock absorbers in the building's foundation to act as a buffer against ground vibrations during earthquakes."
In plain English: To buffer something means to put something between two things so they don't hit each other directly.
"We installed a small tank to buffer the flow of water into our garden."
Usage: Use the verb buffer when you want to describe an action that shields something from direct impact or delays its arrival. You might say the shock absorbers buffered the car's landing or that a small delay buffered the rush of customers.
comparative form of buff: more buff
"After his intense workout routine, he felt much more buff than he did last summer."
In plain English: A buffer is something that stands between you and a problem to stop it from affecting you directly.
"The buffer zone between the two countries helps prevent misunderstandings."
Usage: Do not use "buffer" as an adjective to mean more muscular or tanned; that is the comparative form of "buff." Instead, use it only as a noun describing something placed between two objects to prevent shock or absorb excess.
The word buffer is a compound formed from the verb buff and the suffix -er. It originally referred to something used to polish or smooth surfaces by rubbing them vigorously.