diaphragm Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a mechanical device in a camera that controls size of aperture of the lens
    stop.
    • the new cameras adjust the diaphragm automatically
  2. noun (anatomy) a muscular partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities; functions in respiration
    midriff.
  3. noun a contraceptive device consisting of a flexible dome-shaped cup made of rubber or plastic; it is filled with spermicide and fitted over the uterine cervix
    contraceptive diaphragm; pessary.
  4. noun electro-acoustic transducer that vibrates to receive or produce sound waves

WordNet

Di"a*phragm noun
Etymology
L. diaphragma, Gr. , fr. to fence by a partition wall; through + , , to fence, inclose; prob. akin to L. fareire to stuff: cf. F. diaphragme. See Farce.
Definitions
  1. A dividing membrane or thin partition, commonly with an opening through it.
  2. (Anat.) The muscular and tendinous partition separating the cavity of the chest from that of the abdomen; the midriff.
  3. (Zoöl.) A calcareous plate which divides the cavity of certain shells into two parts.
  4. (Opt.) A plate with an opening, which is generally circular, used in instruments to cut off marginal portions of a beam of light, as at the focus of a telescope.
  5. (Mach.) A partition in any compartment, for various purposes.

Webster 1913