buffer

Pronunciation

• (UK)
  • IPA ^(key): /ˈbʌfə(r)/
  • SAMPA: /"bVf@(r)/
• (US)
  • IPA ^(key): /ˈbʌfɚ/
  • SAMPA: /"bVf@`/

• Audio (Australia)

  (file)

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular buffer

Plural buffers

1. A buffer is a physical object at the end of a train line which stops the train going any further.

   Trains stop at the buffers.

2. A buffer (figurative) is an end-zone.

   That is a buffer to prevent war. No military people may cross it.

   A telomere is a buffer at the ends of a chromosome.

3. A buffer (computer software) is a zone that can be read and written to. It usually holds back data until it is fine to be used.

   Let's try to turn off the buffering setting in the game's video settings.