Link Centre Dictionary

diaphragm

diaph·ragm

UK/ˈdaɪəˌfɹæm/ US/ˈdaɪʌˌfræm/ uncommon

noun

1.

a mechanical device in a camera that controls size of aperture of the lens

  • “the new cameras adjust the diaphragm automatically”
Synonyms
2.

(anatomy) a muscular partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities; functions in respiration

Synonyms
3.

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

Synonyms
4.

electro-acoustic transducer that vibrates to receive or produce sound waves

Origin

From Middle English diafragma, Ancient Greek διάφραγμα (diáphragma, “partition”), from διά (diá, “across”) and φράγμα (phrágma, “barrier”), from the verb φράσσω (phrássō). First attested in the late 14th century.

Phrases

  • diaphragm arch
  • diaphragm cell
  • diaphragm pump
  • diaphragm seal
  • diaphragm shutter
  • diaphragm valve
  • diaphragm wall
  • iris diaphragm

Related words

Word family

Broader terms

Narrower terms

Parts

WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved. Wiktionary content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike Licence.