diaphragm

dia·phragm (dī′ə fram′)

noun

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
a device to regulate the amount of light entering the lens of a camera, microscope, etc.
☆ a small, flexible contraceptive device of rubber or plastic that fits over the cervix of the uterus
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

di′a·phrag·mat′ic (-frag mat′ik) adjective di′a·phrag·mat′i·cally adverb

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.

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