buffer

An area or country between opposing sides that helps keep them apart and prevents conflict.

• The forest provides a buffer between the villages.
• The island became a buffer state.
• Both armies withdrew from the buffer zone.

How to use it: a buffer between A and B (The river forms a buffer between the two armies.)

Similar words: barrier

Common phrases: buffer zone, buffer state, a buffer between

A part of computer memory that holds data briefly before it is processed or sent.

• The data stays in a buffer briefly.
• The video paused while the buffer filled.
• This program uses two buffers to handle incoming data.

Common phrases: data buffer, input buffer, empty the buffer, memory buffer

Extra money saved to help you manage unexpected costs or difficult times.

• We keep a cash buffer for emergencies.
• Their savings provided a buffer when he lost his job.
• How large should your financial buffer be?

Similar words: reserve, cushion

Common phrases: cash buffer, financial buffer, savings buffer

A barrier at the end of a railway track that stops trains and softens any impact.

• The train stopped just before the buffer.
• The empty carriage rolled into the buffers.
• Workers inspected the damaged buffer at the end of the track.

Similar words: buffer stop

Common phrases: hit the buffer, railway buffer, buffer stop

To save an instruction so it happens as soon as the system can carry it out.

• You can buffer a jump before landing.
• The game buffers your next attack during this animation.
• Try buffering the command while the character is still turning.

Similar words: queue

Common phrases: buffer a jump, buffer an input, buffer a command