diaphragm

The definition of 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 a diaphragm.
A barrier that fits over the cervix and prevents pregnancy is an example of a diaphragm.
A part of a camera that controls the size of the lens' aperture is an example of a diaphragm.

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

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

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See diaphragm in American Heritage Dictionary 4

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.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English diafragma

Origin: , from Late Latin diaphragma, midriff

Origin: , from Greek, partition

Origin: , from diaphrassein, to barricade

Origin: : dia-, intensive pref.; see dia-

Origin: + phrassein, phrag-, to enclose

Related Forms: