plural buffers
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
b
: a person who shields another especially from annoying routine matters
c
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.
buffered; buffering
ˈbə-f(ə-)riŋ 
; buffers
; buffers
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
plural buffers
: someone or something that buffs
especially
: a machine that cleans and polishes
a floor buffer
plural buffers
Synonyms
Examples of buffer in a Sentence
Noun (1)
it took a friend serving as a buffer between the feuding siblings to get them to speak to one another again
the excelsior acts as an additional buffer for the marble bust during shipping
Verb
The trees help buffer the house from the hot summer sun.
The wall buffers the noise of the traffic.
Recent Examples on the Web
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
There are potential buffers, though, to the damage a strike could cause.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2024
Melissa A. Wheeler, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
The brand pairs it with hyaluronic acid (for hydration and immediate plumping) and niacinamide (to brighten and soothe); the latter also buffers the potential irritation and redness associated with retinoids.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for buffer 
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Noun
The filing also notes that the company continues to manage interest rate risk through its asset and liability committee and maintains a capital conservation buffer in accordance with Basel III requirements.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
There are potential buffers, though, to the damage a strike could cause.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2024
Verb
Bespoke training and learning opportunities to help managers build these skills would buffer them from additional stress and set them up for managing efficiently and bringing hybrid teams together.
—Melissa A. Wheeler, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
The brand pairs it with hyaluronic acid (for hydration and immediate plumping) and niacinamide (to brighten and soothe); the latter also buffers the potential irritation and redness associated with retinoids.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for buffer
Dictionary Entries Near buffer
Cite this Entry
“Buffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buffer. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
buffer
1 of 2 noun
buff·er
ˈbəf-ər
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
2 of 2 transitive verb
: to treat (as a solution or its acidity) with a buffer
also
: to prepare (aspirin) with an antacid
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