buffer

/ˈbʌfər/

a temporary storage area

The computer uses a buffer to temporarily store data before processing it.

A buffer acts as a temporary holding area for data, allowing systems to manage information flow efficiently.

Technology

technical

a temporary storage area for data being moved from one place to another, especially to compensate for a difference in data rate or time between the source and the destination

The printer buffer holds documents until the printer is ready to print them.

A printer buffer temporarily stores documents in a queue, ensuring smooth printing even when multiple jobs are submitted.

In networking, a buffer prevents data loss by storing packets when the network is congested.

Network buffers help manage data flow by temporarily holding packets during high traffic, reducing packet loss.

Buffers are crucial in computing and engineering to manage data flow between systems with different processing speeds.

general

a person or thing that acts as a protective barrier or intermediary

The buffer between the company and its customers helps resolve disputes fairly.

A buffer in this context refers to an intermediary that mediates between two parties to ensure smooth communication.

This meaning is less common and typically used in non-technical contexts.

Collocations

buffer overflowa situation where a buffer is filled beyond its capacity, causing data corruption or security vulnerabilitiescircular buffera fixed-size buffer that overwrites the oldest data when full, commonly used in real-time systems