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

Other Words from diaphragm Example Sentences Phrases Containing diaphragm Learn More About diaphragm

Other Words from diaphragm

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 Diaphragmatic breathing uses your diaphragm correctly to get more oxygen to the body. — Jody Michael, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 Inhale three quick breaths through your nose and fill your diaphragm with air. — Nick Owchar, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2022 A few months later, Smith, driving his wife’s car, abducted 33-year-old Lisa Ozbun from a parking lot in Chula Vista and plunged a knife into her stomach, piercing her liver and diaphragm. — Sam Adler-bell, The New Republic, 7 Mar. 2022 Your diaphragm is a skeletal muscle housed in the lower portion of your rib cage, attaching to your lower ribs. — Dana Santas, CNN, 23 June 2021 In addition to protecting the right to use a diaphragm or something similar, the ruling established a broader right to privacy. — Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press, 21 Feb. 2022 One person might have a diaphragm more attached to their stomach than another, and therefore their stomach irritation is more likely to result in hiccups. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 4 Feb. 2022 Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing, focuses on relaxing the diaphragm, the main muscle of respiration. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 13 Mar. 2022 There are few concrete medical cures for the hiccups, but experts know that stopping them ideally involves the diaphragm, the vagus nerve and the phrenic nerve. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 4 Mar. 2022 See More

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.

History and Etymology for diaphragm

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

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Dictionary Entries Near diaphragm

diaphototropism

diaphragm

diaphragmatic respiration

Statistics for diaphragm

Last Updated

6 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Diaphragm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diaphragm. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for diaphragm

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