diaphragm

diaphragm
diaphragm [dī′ə fram΄]
n.
[ME diafragma < LL diaphragma < Gr < dia-, through + phragma, a fence < phrassein, to enclose]
1. the partition of muscles and tendons between the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity; midriff: see LUNG
2.
a) any membrane or partition that separates one thing from another
b) a dividing wall at the node of a plant stem
3. a device to regulate the amount of light entering the lens of a camera, microscope, etc.
☆ 4. a small, flexible contraceptive device of rubber or plastic that fits over the cervix of the uterus
5. a thin, flexible disk or cone that vibrates in response to sound waves to produce electrical signals, as in a microphone, or that vibrates in response to electrical signals to produce sound waves, as in a speaker
diaphragmatic [dī′əfrag mat′ik]
adj.
diaphragmatically
adv.

English World dictionary. . 2014.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Diaphragm — Di a*phragm, n. [L. diaphragma, Gr. ?, fr. ? to fence by a partition wall; dia through + ?, ?, to fence, inclose; prob. akin to L. fareire to stuff: cf. F. diaphragme. See {Farce}.] 1. A dividing membrane or thin partition, commonly with an… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Diaphragm — Diaphragm. См. Диафрагма. (Источник: «Металлы и сплавы. Справочник.» Под редакцией Ю.П. Солнцева; НПО Профессионал , НПО Мир и семья ; Санкт Петербург, 2003 г.) …   Словарь металлургических терминов

  • diaphragm — late 14c., from L.L. diaphragma, from Gk. diaphragma partition, barrier, muscle which divides the thorax from the abdomen, from diaphrassein to barricade, from dia across (see DIA (Cf. dia )) + phrassein to fence or hedge in. The native word is… …   Etymology dictionary

  • diaphragm — ► NOUN 1) a dome shaped muscular partition separating the thorax from the abdomen in mammals. 2) a taut flexible membrane in mechanical or acoustic systems. 3) a thin contraceptive cap fitting over the cervix. 4) a device for varying the… …   English terms dictionary

  • Diaphragm — Contents 1 Optics and photography 2 Acoustics 3 Other 4 …   Wikipedia

  • diaphragm — /duy euh fram /, n. 1. Anat. a. a muscular, membranous or ligamentous wall separating two cavities or limiting a cavity. b. the partition separating the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity in mammals. 2. Physical Chem. a. a porous plate… …   Universalium

  • diaphragm — 1. The musculomembranous partition between the abdominal and thoracic cavities. SYN: diaphragma (2) [TA], interseptum, midriff, phren (1). 2. A thin disk pierced with an opening, used in a microscope, camera, or other op …   Medical dictionary

  • diaphragm — n. 1) (in anatomy) a thin musculomembranous dome shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The diaphragm is attached to the lower ribs at each side and to the breastbone and the backbone at the front and back. It bulges… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • diaphragm — 1. noun /ˈdaɪəˌfræm/ a) In mammals, a sheet of muscle separating the thorax from the abdomen, contracted and relaxed in respiration to draw air into and expel air from the lungs; also called thoracic diaphragm. b) Any of various membranes or… …   Wiktionary

  • diaphragm — n. contraceptive device to insert a diaphragm * * * [ daɪəfræm] [ contraceptive device ] to insert a diaphragm …   Combinatory dictionary

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