plural diaphragms
1
medical
: a large flat muscle that separates the lungs from the stomach area and that is used in breathing
2
technical
: a device that controls the amount of light passing through the lens of a camera
3
: a device shaped like a cup that is placed in the vagina to prevent pregnancy
called also (British) cap
4
technical
: a thin disk that is used in microphones, telephones, speakers, etc., to help reproduce sound or make sounds louder
Cite this Entry
“Diaphragm.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/diaphragm. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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