diaphragm
noun
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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
-ˌfrag-
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adjective
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adverb
Examples of diaphragm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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 Fuel leaks past the internal diaphragm, goes through the vacuum hose attached to the regulator, and collects in the engine's intake manifold. — Bob Weber, chicagotribune.com, "Stop-start feature steams driver, who is advised to chill," 5 Aug. 2017 When the diaphragm goes, so does your ability to inhale; surgical patients administered the drug are typically intubated with a breathing tube, their respiratory status carefully monitored. — Robbie Gonzalez, WIRED, "The Untested Drugs at the Heart of Nevada's Execution Controversy," 11 July 2018 Both girls were sharing a liver, sternum and diaphragm. — Sarah Schreiber, Good Housekeeping, "Twin Girls Who Were Conjoined at the Stomach Celebrate 2nd Birthday," 27 Oct. 2016 Toyota says a diaphragm material in the fuel injection system can harden over time and crack, allowing fuel to leak. — BostonGlobe.com, "Boston Children’s named best pediatric hospital in the country for fifth year," 27 June 2018These 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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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
: 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
\
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
\
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
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