diaphragm

di·a·phragm

noun \ˈdī-ə-ˌfram\

Definition of DIAPHRAGM

1

: a body partition of muscle and connective tissue; specifically : the partition separating the chest and abdominal cavities in mammals

2

: a dividing membrane or thin partition especially in a tube

3

a : a more or less rigid partition in the body or shell of an invertebrate

b : a transverse septum in a plant stem

4

: a device that limits the aperture of a lens or optical system — compare iris diaphragm

5

: a thin flexible disk (as in a microphone or loudspeaker) that vibrates when struck by sound waves or that vibrates to generate sound waves

6

: a molded cap usually of thin rubber fitted over the uterine cervix to act as a mechanical contraceptive barrier

— di·a·phrag·mat·ic \ˌdī-ə-frə(g)-ˈma-tik, -ˌfrag-\ adjective

— di·a·phrag·mat·i·cal·ly \-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin of DIAPHRAGM

Middle English diafragma, from Late Latin diaphragma, from Greek, from diaphrassein to barricade, from dia- + phrassein to enclose

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with DIAPHRAGM

aerogram, Amsterdam, anagram, Birmingham, Boulder Dam, cablegram, centigram, Christogram, chronogram, cofferdam, cryptogram, decagram, deprogram, diagram, epigram, fluid dram, giant clam, hard-shell clam, hexagram, histogram, Hohokam, hologram, kilogram, logogram, mammogram, milligram, Minicam, monogram, nomogram, oriflamme, pentagram, phonogram, pictogram, reprogram, Rotterdam, scattergram, self-exam, skiagram, soft-shell clam, sonogram, subprogram, telegram, tetradrachm, thank-you-ma'am, tinker's damn, Uncle Sam

di·a·phragm

noun \ˈdī-ə-ˌfram\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of DIAPHRAGM

1

: a body partition of muscle and connective tissue; specifically : the partition separating the chest and abdominal cavities in mammals—see pelvic diaphragm, urogenital diaphragm

2

: a device that limits the aperture of a lens or optical system

3

: a molded cap usually of thin rubber fitted over the uterine cervix to act as a mechanical contraceptive barrier

Illustration of DIAPHRAGM

diaphragm

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Dome-shaped muscular and membranous structure between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The principal muscle used in respiration, it is also important in coughing, vomiting, excretion, and other expulsive functions. Spasms of the diaphragm produce hiccups. The aorta passes behind the diaphragm; the inferior vena cava and esophagus pass through it. Protrusion of part of the stomach above the diaphragm is called a hiatal hernia.