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buffer

n. · v.
US //ˈbəfɝ// UK //bˈʌfɐ// buf·fer
  1. 1 a protective barrier (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that helps protect against harm or reduces the impact of a bad situation.

    a person or thing that reduces a shock or forms a barrier between incompatible or antagonistic forces.

    Example

    The savings account acted as a buffer when he suddenly lost his job.

    Example

    The neutral zone was established to serve as a buffer between the two warring factions, preventing direct military engagement while negotiations continued.
  2. 2 computing storage (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    a temporary storage area for data, often used when streaming video or moving files.

    a region of physical memory used to temporarily store data while it is being moved from one place to another.

    Example

    The video kept pausing because the buffer was empty due to a slow internet connection.

    Example

    The application allocates a specific buffer to handle incoming network packets, ensuring that data is not lost during periods of high traffic.
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  1. 3 chemical balance (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a substance that keeps a liquid's acidity at a steady level.

    a solution that resists changes in pH when acid or alkali is added to it.

    Example

    Blood contains a natural buffer to keep its pH level safe for the body.

    Example

    The researcher added a phosphate buffer to the solution to maintain a constant environment for the enzyme reaction.
  2. 4 an old man (n.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Informal

    a slightly silly but kind man, usually an older person.

    a somewhat foolish or old-fashioned man, typically used in a mildly affectionate way.

    Example

    He is a bit of an old buffer, but he tells wonderful stories about the war.

    Example

    The club was filled with elderly buffers dozing in leather armchairs and grumbling about the state of modern politics.
  3. 5 to protect or soften (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to reduce the bad effect of something or to protect one thing from another.

    to lessen or moderate the impact of something; to act as a protective barrier.

    Example

    The thick walls helped to buffer the noise from the busy street outside.

    Example

    The government introduced new subsidies to buffer the agricultural sector against the sudden drop in global commodity prices.
  4. 6 to load data (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    when a computer or app stores data temporarily before playing it.

    to store data in a temporary memory area; often used intransitively to describe a media player loading content.

    Example

    Wait a moment while the movie buffers so it doesn't stop later.

    Example

    The system is designed to buffer the stream automatically, adjusting the quality based on the user's available bandwidth.
Etymology 1

From buff + -er.

Etymology 2

Agent noun from obsolete verb buff (“make a dull sound when struck”) (mid-16c.), from Old French buffe (“blow”). The “boatswain's mate” sense is said to be popularly explained by the mate being a “buffer”, that is intermediary, between officers and men, but various other explanations have also been proposed.

Etymology 3

In reference to buff leather.

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