# buffer

Pronunciation: US say "BUF-ur" /ˈbʌfɚ/; UK say "BUF-uh" /ˈbʌfə(ɹ)/; AUS say "BAF-uh" /ˈbafə(ɹ)/

## Noun

1. A separating gap or space that keeps two things apart so that one does not affect the other.
   - Simple: A space or gap that keeps two things apart so one does not affect the other.
   - _He always left a buffer of a day or two before deadlines, just in case._
   - _The quiet zone served as a buffer between the library and the busy street._
2. A spring-loaded device fitted to the ends of railway vehicles to cushion the impact when they make contact.
   - Simple: A padded or spring-loaded part on a train that softens the shock when cars bump together.
   - _The buffer compressed sharply as the locomotive backed onto the train._
   - _Worn buffers can transmit too much shock through the couplings._
3. A section of memory set aside to hold data temporarily, often before it is sent to or just after it is received from an external device.
   - Simple: A part of computer memory that holds data for a short time before it moves somewhere else.
   - _The program copies each file into a buffer before writing it to disk._
   - _Network buffers fill quickly when traffic spikes._
5. A routine or storage medium that compensates for differences in the rate of data flow or the timing of events when transferring data between devices.
   - Simple: A store or routine that smooths out differences in speed when data moves between two devices.
   - _A small hardware buffer absorbs the timing mismatch between the sensor and the controller._
   - _Communication buffers smooth out bursts so the receiver is never overwhelmed._
6. A neutral zone or state, such as a demilitarized strip, that separates two opposing powers and lessens the risk of direct conflict.
   - Simple: A neutral area or country that keeps two hostile sides apart to prevent conflict.
   - _The region was kept as a buffer between the two empires for decades._
   - _Diplomats proposed a demilitarized buffer along the contested border._
7. A solution that stabilizes the pH of a liquid, resisting changes in acidity when an acid or alkali is added.
   - Simple: A liquid mix that keeps acidity steady, even when you add a little acid or base.
   - _Chemists prepared a phosphate buffer to hold the reaction at a constant pH._
   - _Several buffers are used in biology to mimic the conditions inside living cells._
8. A reserve of funds set aside to be drawn on only when adverse conditions arise.
   - Simple: Money saved to use only when problems or hard times come.
   - _The bank holds a capital buffer to absorb losses during a downturn._
   - _Households with a savings buffer recover faster from financial shocks._
9. A person or thing that buffs something, polishing it and making it shiny.
   - Simple: A person or thing that polishes something and makes it shiny.
   - _The factory hired two more buffers to finish the brass fittings before the order shipped._
   - _He switched on the buffer and worked the wax into the hood in slow circles._
10. A machine fitted with rotary brushes that is moved across a hard floor to clean and polish it.
   - Simple: A machine with spinning brushes that you push over a hard floor to clean and shine it.
   - _The cleaning crew brought out a buffer to restore the shine on the marble._
   - _Industrial buffers can strip and polish a large floor in a single pass._
11. A machine designed to polish shoes and boots to a shine.
   - Simple: A small machine used to shine shoes and boots.
   - _The shoeshine stand had an electric buffer for finishing each pair._
   - _Old hotels often kept a buffer in the lobby for guests' boots._
12. A barrier installed at the end of a railway track to absorb the impact of a train that fails to stop in time.
   - Simple: A strong barrier at the end of a railway track that stops a train if it does not brake in time.
   - _The locomotive came to rest just short of the buffer._
   - _Damaged buffers at the terminus were replaced after the collision._
13. Something used to maintain slack between objects or to keep separate objects apart.
   - Simple: A part that keeps two things apart or softens the force between them.
   - _Engineers fitted a buffer between the motor and its mount to keep vibration from spreading._
   - _The buffer kept the heavy panels from pressing directly against each other._
16. A good-natured, slow-witted man, usually elderly. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: A kind but slow-witted older man, often elderly.
   - _Some cheerful old buffer at the club kept buying everyone drinks._
   - _She married a harmless old buffer twice her age._

## Verb

4. In computing, to hold data temporarily in memory until it can be processed.
   - Simple: To hold data in memory for a short time while it waits to be used.
   - _Editing software buffers incoming footage so the timeline stays responsive._
   - _Cheap players buffer constantly whenever bandwidth drops._
14. To keep the acidity of a solution close to a chosen value by adding an acid or a base.
   - Simple: To keep a liquid from becoming too acidic or not acidic enough by adding chemicals.
   - _Lab technicians buffer the reaction mixture to hold the pH steady._
   - _Blood proteins buffer the bloodstream against small shifts in acidity._
15. To isolate one thing from another, or to reduce the effect that one has on the other.
   - Simple: To keep one thing from being affected by another, or to soften the effect between them.
   - _A strong support network helps buffer people from the stress of major life changes._
   - _Wetlands buffer coastal towns against storm surges._

## Adjective

19. Comparative form of buff: more buff. — Comparative form of buff: more buff.
   - Simple: Comparative form of buff: more buff. Use this when comparing how muscular two people look.
   - _The actor grew noticeably buffer for the superhero role._
   - _He's buffer than his older brother now._

## Noun

17. A boxer; one who fights with the fists, especially for prizes. *(archaic, Ireland)*
   - Simple: A man who fights other men with his fists for sport.
   - _The tavern emptied when the local buffer challenged a stranger to a bout._
   - _A seasoned buffer, he had won a dozen bare-knuckle matches._
18. A dog. *(dated, UK)*
   - Simple: A dog, the four-legged animal that barks and is often kept as a pet.
   - _The farmer's buffer chased rabbits across the field all afternoon._
   - _He whistled, and the shaggy buffer came bounding back._

## Other meanings

- (noun) A circuit that isolates a signal source from its load to reduce the load's effect on the source, often taking the form of an amplifier.
- (verb) To queue up an input so that it is carried out as soon as the game allows it.
- (noun) The chief boatswain's mate aboard a ship.

## Origin

**Meanings 9–11, 17, 19** — This word is formed from "buff" combined with the suffix "-er".
**Meanings 1–8, 12–15** — This is an agent noun from the obsolete verb "buff" (to make a dull sound when struck), first recorded in the mid-16th century and taken from Old French "buffe" ("blow"). The "boatswain's mate" sense is popularly explained by the mate being a "buffer" or intermediary between officers and men, though various other explanations have also been proposed.
**Meaning 18** — In reference to buff leather.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/buffer (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).