buffer Definition
- 1a person or thing that reduces a shock or protects something by absorbing its impact
- 2a solution used to stabilize the acidity (pH) of a substance
- 3a temporary storage area in a computer's memory used to hold data that is being transferred between devices or programs
Using buffer: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "buffer" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The airbag acts as a buffer in case of a car accident.
Example
A buffer solution is used to maintain the pH level of a chemical reaction.
Example
The printer has a buffer that stores print jobs until they are ready to be printed.
Example
The company has a buffer stock of raw materials to avoid production delays.
Example
The park serves as a buffer between the noisy city and the quiet suburbs.
buffer Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with buffer
a small neutral country situated between two larger hostile countries and serving to prevent the outbreak of regional conflict
Example
Switzerland served as a buffer state between France and Germany during World War II.
Example
The demilitarized zone between North and South Korea serves as a buffer zone.
a type of computer security vulnerability where a program tries to store more data in a buffer than it can hold, causing the excess data to overflow into adjacent memory locations
Example
The hacker exploited a buffer overflow vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the system.
Origins of buffer
from Old French 'bofeor', meaning 'a drinker who swallows up all the wine'
Summary: buffer in Brief
The term 'buffer' [ˈbʌfə(r)] refers to a person or thing that reduces shock or protects something, such as an airbag in a car. It also refers to a solution used to stabilize the pH of a substance or a temporary storage area in a computer's memory. Phrases like 'buffer state' and 'buffer zone' denote a neutral area between two opposing forces, while 'buffer overflow' is a computer security vulnerability. 'Buffer' can be used formally as a cushion or safeguard, or informally as a pad or backstop.
