Langimage
English

buffer

|buf/fer|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈbʌfər/

🇬🇧

/ˈbʌfə/

to protect or shield

Etymology
Etymology Information

'buffer' originates from the Old French word 'buffet,' meaning 'a blow or shock.'

Historical Evolution

'buffet' transformed into the English word 'buffer' in the 19th century, referring to a device that absorbs shock.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a blow or shock,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a device or method to reduce impact.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a device or area used to reduce shock or damage from impact.

The car has a buffer to absorb impact.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a temporary storage area in memory used to hold data while it is being transferred.

The computer uses a buffer to manage data flow.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to lessen or moderate the impact of something.

The trees buffer the noise from the highway.

Synonyms

Verb 2

to store data temporarily in a buffer.

The video is buffering due to slow internet.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45