diaphragm

A diaphragm is any thin material that creates a partition. (noun)

The thick muscular partition that separates your thorax from your abdomen is an example of adiaphragm.
A barrier that fits over the cervix and prevents pregnancy is an example of adiaphragm.
A part of a camera that controls the size of the lens' aperture is an example of adiaphragm.

See diaphragm in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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

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See diaphragm in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(dīˈə-frămˌ)

noun

Anatomy A muscular membranous partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities and functioning in respiration. Also called midriff.
A membranous part that divides or separates.
A thin disk, especially in a microphone or telephone receiver, that vibrates in response to sound waves to produce electric signals, or that vibrates in response to electric signals to produce sound waves.
A contraceptive device consisting of a thin flexible disk, usually made of rubber, that is designed to cover the uterine cervix to prevent the entry of sperm during sexual intercourse.
A disk having a fixed or variable opening used to restrict the amount of light traversing a lens or optical system.

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