Definition of diaphragm

< diaphoretic

diaphysis >

di·a·phragm    (d-frm) KEY 

NOUN:

1. Anatomy A muscular membranous partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities and functioning in respiration. Also called midriff.
2. A membranous part that divides or separates.
3. A thin disk, especially in a microphone or telephone receiver, that vibrates in response to sound waves to produce electric signals, or that vibrates in response to electric signals to produce sound waves.
4. A contraceptive device consisting of a thin flexible disk, usually made of rubber, that is designed to cover the uterine cervix to prevent the entry of sperm during sexual intercourse.
5. A disk having a fixed or variable opening used to restrict the amount of light traversing a lens or optical system.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English diafragma, from Late Latin diaphragma, midriff, from Greek, partition, from diaphrassein, to barricade : dia-, intensive pref. ; see dia- + phrassein, phrag-, to enclose

OTHER FORMS:
dia·phrag·matic  (-frg-mtk) KEY (Adjective), dia·phrag·mati·cal·ly(Adverb)