Translate buffer | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of buffer
noun
1a person or thing that prevents incompatible or antagonistic people or things from coming into contact with or harming each other:family and friends can provide a buffer against stress
2 (also buffer solution) Chemistry a solution that resists changes in pH when acid or alkali is added to it. Buffers typically involve a weak acid or alkali together with one of its salts.
3 Computing a temporary memory area in which data is stored while it is being processed or transferred, especially one used while streaming video or downloading audio.
verb
[with object] 1lessen or moderate the impact of (something):the massage helped to buffer the strain
2treat with a chemical buffer:add organic matter to buffer the resulting alkalinity
3 Computing store (data) in a buffer while it is being processed or transferred:try buffering as much of the video stream as you can before you hit the ‘play’ button
