noun
buffer
BUH-fuh
noun
1
Something that cushions or absorbs the impact between two things, physically or figuratively.
"The savings account acted as a buffer against unexpected expenses."
"A row of trees served as a buffer between the houses and the busy road."
2
A temporary storage area in a computer that holds data before it is processed or transferred.
"The video kept pausing to fill its buffer."
3
A chemical solution that resists changes in pH.
"The lab technician added a buffer solution to keep the sample's pH stable."
verb
1
To lessen or absorb the impact of something.
"The insurance payout helped buffer the financial blow of the accident."
How to Use Buffer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that softens an impact or shock — whether that's money, distance, chemistry, or streaming video.
Common pairings
a buffer zone
buffer against
financial buffer
Word Forms
buffered past tense, buffers plural, buffers plural, buffers plural, buffers plural, Buffers plural, buffers singular
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The savings account acted as a _____ against unexpected expenses.
Etymology
Formed from "buff" (to cushion or soften a blow) plus the "-er" ending.