buffer

Everyday

1. Something that protects one thing from another or softens a hit or shock. tree →
2. Springs or pads on the end of a train or at the end of a railway track that soften a crash. tree →
3. (computing) An area of memory where data is stored for a short time; «buffering» is when a video waits to load. tree →
4. (science) A solution that keeps acidity (pH) from changing much. tree →
5. (UK, informal) An old-fashioned man, often silly: «an old buffer». tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, children see «buffering...» when videos stop. In geography, a buffer zone keeps two sides or a wild area apart. In science, buffers keep blood or ponds at a steady pH. Phrase: buffer zone, act as a buffer.

Examples

• The video keeps buffering. tree →
• The train hit the buffers at the end of the line. tree →
• Trees act as a buffer against wind and noise. tree →
• The UN keeps a buffer zone between the two armies. tree →
• Savings are a buffer against hard times. tree →
• The old buffer next door tells long stories. tree →

Note

Countable. «Buffering» as a verb is usually about videos and internet.