diaphragm

noun

di·a·phragm | \ 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

3a : 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

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Other Words from diaphragm

diaphragmatic \ ˌdī-ə-frə(g)-ˈma-tik

, -ˌfrag- \ adjective

diaphragmatically \ -ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

Examples of diaphragm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ultra-thin 16-micrometer diaphragm inside the CL2s is part of the most compact planar magnetic driver that’s ever been released, which took RHA four years to develop. — Vlad Savov, The Verge, "RHA announces in-ear planar magnetic earphones with wireless option," 23 Aug. 2018 One easy method: applying sanitizing foam to the stethoscope’s diaphragm—the part that touches a patient’s skin—after using it on their own hands. — Lucette Lagnado, WSJ, "Hospitals Step Up the War on Superbugs," 8 Sep. 2018 Her analysis found that some of the stethoscopes’ diaphragms were rife with bacteria, including the superbug MRSA, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to fatal antibiotic-resistant infections. — Lucette Lagnado, WSJ, "Hospitals Step Up the War on Superbugs," 8 Sep. 2018 Patton carefully examined the smooth, curved upper surface of the diaphragm. — Lisa Sanders, M.d., New York Times, "The Woman Was Fit and Healthy. Why Did Her Lung Mysteriously Collapse?," 28 Mar. 2018 Unlike the majority of headphones on the market, which rely on moving voice coils and cones to push air back and forth to create sound, planar magnetic variants use a thin diaphragm. — Vlad Savov, The Verge, "RHA announces in-ear planar magnetic earphones with wireless option," 23 Aug. 2018 He was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP), which covered his entire diaphragm, intestines, bladder, stomach, and rectum. — Perry Chiaramonte, Fox News, "Burn Pit Veterans share their stories of struggle after falling ill," 18 July 2018 To take advantage of piezoelectricity, Dagdeviren and colleagues have developed flat devices that can be stuck onto organs and muscles such as the heart, lungs and diaphragm. — Charles Q. Choi, Washington Post, "How the body could power pacemakers and other implantable devices," 9 June 2018 To keep it in place during incubation, the doctor will also insert a retention device resembling a small, breathable diaphragm, Dr. Kevin Doody says. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "These Two Women Both ‘Carried’ Their Baby Using Reciprocal Effortless IVF," 16 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diaphragm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near diaphragm

diaphragmatic respiration

diaphragm horn

diaphragm pump

Statistics for diaphragm

Last Updated

3 Feb 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for diaphragm

The first known use of diaphragm was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for diaphragm

diaphragm

noun

English Language Learners Definition of diaphragm

medical : a large flat muscle that separates the lungs from the stomach area and that is used in breathing

technical : a device that controls the amount of light passing through the lens of a camera

: a device shaped like a cup that is placed in the vagina to prevent pregnancy

See the full definition for diaphragm in the English Language Learners Dictionary

diaphragm

noun

di·a·phragm | \ ˈdī-ə-ˌfram

Kids Definition of diaphragm

1 : a muscular wall that separates the lungs from the stomach area and assists in breathing in

2 : a thin disk (as in a microphone) that vibrates when sound strikes it

diaphragm

noun

di·a·phragm | \ ˈdī-ə-ˌfram

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