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diaphragm Definition

dia·phragm (ə fram′)

noun

  1. the partition of muscles and tendons between the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity; midriff
    1. any membrane or partition that separates one thing from another
    2. a dividing wall at the node of a plant stem
  2. a device to regulate the amount of light entering the lens of a camera, microscope, etc.
  3. ☆ a small, flexible contraceptive device of rubber or plastic that fits over the cervix of the uterus
  4. a thin, flexible disk or cone that vibrates in response to sound waves to produce electrical signals, as in a microphone, or that vibrates in response to electrical signals to produce sound waves, as in a speaker

Etymology: ME diafragma < LL diaphragma < Gr < dia-, through + phragma, a fence < phrassein, to enclose

diaphragm Related Forms

di′a·phrag·matic (-frag matik) adjective di′a·phrag·mati·cally adverb

diaphragm Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • close: Perhaps the easiest methods are to offset a partially closed condenser iris diaphragm or the image of the light source.
  • include: Initially the bottom slab and webs including the diaphragms were cast, with the top slab cast in a second stage.
  • use: Like the first stage the 2nd stage scuba regulator uses a diaphragm or piston to open a valve.
  • have: It had a diaphragm which moves a piston which does two things.

Adjective modifier

  • muscular: The tortoise also lacks a muscular diaphragm, having only a thin membrane to separate the lungs from the rest of the body cavity.
  • balanced: Sensors - These two units house the balanced diaphragms used to detect the pressure differences between the tubes.
  • thin: The magnetic field attracts the thin diaphragm which bends toward the magnet.
  • urogenital: Below the bladder, the urethra passes through the urogenital diaphragm.

Modifies a noun

  • thickness: These results demonstrate that although diaphragm thickness is similar in both groups at TLC, discrepancies exist between groups at FRC.
  • pump: The diaphragm air pump can be fitted with tubing an airstone to produce a glorious array of bubbles.
  • capsule: The diaphragm capsule can be replaced without replacing the top housing.
  • microphone: This end fire small diaphragm microphone really is astonishing value for money.
  • valve: This feature is not required for safety for the air operated diaphragm valve.
  • muscle: It is also possible that the diaphragm muscle may weaken with age.

Noun used with modifier

  • iris: An iris diaphragm controls the amount of light entering the eye.
  • substage: The substage diaphragm was reduced to enhance diffraction colors.
  • condenser: Perhaps the easiest methods are to offset a partially closed condenser iris diaphragm or the image of the light source.
  • aperture: The aperture diaphragm is located at the light guide end.
  • rubber: If a rubber diaphragm is fitted, examine it for damage or deterioration.
  • field: Köhler lighting systems have an iris or field diaphragm which controls the aperture of light going into the condenser.

Browse dictionary entries near diaphragm

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