buffer

noun (1)

Save Word

buff·er | \ ˈbə-fər

Definition of buffer

(Entry 1 of 4)

British slang

: fellow, man especially : an old man

buffer

noun (2), often attributive

Definition of buffer (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : any of various devices or pieces of material for reducing shock or damage due to contact

2 : a means or device used as a cushion against the shock of fluctuations in business or financial activity

3 : something that serves as a protective barrier: such as

a : buffer state

b : a person who shields another especially from annoying routine matters

c : mediator sense 1

4 : a substance capable in solution of neutralizing both acids and bases and thereby maintaining the original acidity or basicity of the solution also : a solution containing such a substance

5 : a section of computer memory for temporarily storing information especially : one that accepts information at one rate and delivers it at another The streaming video feed continues to download into the buffer while the computer starts playing the movie.

buffer

verb

buffered; buffering\ ˈbə-f(ə-)riŋ

Definition of buffer (Entry 3 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to lessen the shock of : cushion

2 : to treat (something, such as an acid solution) with a buffer also : to prepare (aspirin) with an antacid

3 : to collect (data) in a buffer

buffer

noun (3)

Definition of buffer (Entry 4 of 4)

: one that buffs

Other Words from buffer Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing buffer Learn More About buffer

Examples of buffer in a Sentence

Verb The trees help buffer the house from the hot summer sun. The wall buffers the noise of the traffic.

First Known Use of buffer

Noun (1)

1749, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1854, in the meaning defined above

Buying Guide

Our Reviews team has selected the best external hard drives.

Learn More About buffer

Dictionary Entries Near buffer

buffelhead

buffer

buffer state

Statistics for buffer

Cite this Entry

“Buffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buffer. Accessed 22 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for buffer

buffer

noun

buff·er | \ ˈbəf-ər

Medical Definition of buffer

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a substance or mixture of substances (as bicarbonates and some proteins in biological fluids) that in solution tends to stabilize the hydrogen-ion concentration by neutralizing within limits both acids and bases

2 : buffer solution

buffer

transitive verb

Medical Definition of buffer (Entry 2 of 2)

: to treat (as a solution or its acidity) with a buffer also : to prepare (aspirin) with an antacid