diaphragm

noun

di·​a·​phragm ˈdī-ə-ˌfram 

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

diaphragmatic

ˌdī-ə-frə(g)-ˈma-tik 

-ˌfrag-

adjective

diaphragmatically

ˌdī-ə-frə(g)-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of diaphragm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The salt may irritate your eyes or get in your nose. Breathe deeply from your diaphragm. —Anne McCarthy, Health, 31 Oct. 2023

The process, which takes only roughly a second, is activated by the stethoscope user by waving their hand under the dispenser and then placing the stethoscope’s diaphragm into the dispenser’s port to apply the disk. —Kristen Lynch, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2023

Easy fixes for when your diaphragm won't stop spasming. —Jessica Migala, Health, 6 Aug. 2023

Two seconds exposure could capture two or three beats of the heart, the act of breathing, movements of the diaphragm or motion of joints. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2023

Ultrasonic humidifiers vibrate a metal or ceramic diaphragm to form water droplets, which are then dispersed into the air. —Jon Bitner, wsj.com, 21 Sep. 2023

She was left with holes in her stomach and diaphragm, and part of her pancreas was removed. —Jay Croft, CNN, 2 June 2023

The respiratory system, including the lungs, diaphragm, and windpipe, provides breath support. —Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 29 Aug. 2023

In addition to reducing your heart rate, blood pressure and stress response, learning how to breathe better will improve your diaphragm function and rib mobility, which can improve posture and reduce back pain. —Dana Santas, CNN, 28 Apr. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English diafragma, borrowed from Late Latin diaphragma, borrowed from Greek diáphragma "partition, barrier, partition of tissue separating organs," from diaphrak-, stem of diaphrássein "to divide off, separate" (from dia- dia- + phrássein, Attic phráttein "to fence in, enclose, block," of obscure origin) + -ma, resultative noun suffix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diaphragm

• iris diaphragm

• iris diaphragm

Kids Definition

diaphragm

noun

di·​a·​phragm ˈdī-ə-ˌfram 

1

: a sheet of muscle that separates the cavities of the chest and abdomen in mammals

2

: a device that limits the size of an opening in order to control the amount of light passing through a lens (as of a camera or microscope)

3

: a thin flexible disk that vibrates (as in a microphone)

4

: a cup-shaped device usually of thin rubber that fits over the cervix of the uterus and acts to prevent pregnancy by keeping sperm from reaching the egg

diaphragmatic

ˌdī-ə-frə(g)-ˈmat-ik 

-ˌfrag-

adjective

Medical Definition

diaphragm

noun

di·​a·​phragm ˈdī-ə-ˌfram 

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