Definition & Meaning of "buffer"

to buffer

VERB

to reduce or soften the impact or effects of a situation or force

Transitive: to buffer an effect

Example

Planting trees can buffer the effects of strong winds in an open area.

Wearing a helmet can buffer the impact of a fall during recreational activities.

to treat with a chemical substance that helps maintain a stable pH level

Transitive: to buffer a solution or mixture

Example

The scientist buffered the solution with a phosphate buffer to maintain its pH during the experiment.

Before conducting the enzyme assay, the researcher buffered the reaction mixture to ensure optimal conditions.

Buffer

NOUN

a solution containing a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid, which maintains a stable pH when small amounts of acid or base are added

Example

The buffer solution in the lab kept the pH steady even after the addition of a strong acid.

Buffers are crucial in biological systems to maintain the pH necessary for enzyme activity.

a device that absorbs shock to reduce the impact of a collision or hit

Example

The car 's front bumper acted as a buffer during the minor collision, preventing serious damage.

Trains are often equipped with buffers to absorb the shock when they stop suddenly.

a power tool used to buff surfaces

an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track

(computer science) a part of RAM used for temporary storage of data that is waiting to be sent to a device; used to compensate for differences in the rate of flow of data between components of a computer system

an implement consisting of soft material mounted on a block; used for polishing (as in manicuring)

a neutral zone between two rival powers that is created in order to diminish the danger of conflict