diaphragm
noun
di·a·phragm ˈdī-ə-ˌfram 
1
: a body partition of muscle and connective tissue
specifically : the partition separating the chest and abdominal cavities in mammals
2
: a dividing membrane or thin partition especially in a tube
3
a
: a more or less rigid partition in the body or shell of an invertebrate
b
: a transverse septum in a plant stem
4
: a device that limits the aperture of a lens or optical system compare iris diaphragm
5
: a thin flexible disk (as in a microphone or loudspeaker) that vibrates when struck by sound waves or that vibrates to generate sound waves
6
: a molded cap usually of thin rubber fitted over the uterine cervix to act as a mechanical contraceptive barrier
diaphragmatic
ˌdī-ə-frə(g)-ˈma-tik
adjective -ˌfrag-
diaphragmatically
ˌdī-ə-frə(g)-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē
adverb 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Repeat this pattern, breathing from your diaphragm and working to keep each breath long and smooth. 
Emilia Benton, SELF, 4 Aug. 2022 Most hiatal hernias are thought to be congenital, meaning you were born with the propensity to have a larger-than-needed hole in the diaphragm. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 15 Aug. 2022 Once my diaphragm and stomach wall could relax after letting off the throttle, involuntary war whoops filled the cabin. Mark Ewing, Forbes, 14 Aug. 2022 That, Seifi says, tricks the diaphragm into setting aside the hiccups. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 30 June 2021 In the Smithsonian’s collections, mid-20th century artifacts such as a diaphragm-fitting ring set, dating from between 1930 to 1960, reveal that physicians did assist patients in accessing contraceptives. Alexandra M. Lord, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2022 Then, at her 20-week appointment the ultrasound revealed Charlotte had a large hole in her diaphragm, pressing together her abdominal organs. Shari Rudavsky, The Indianapolis Star, 30 June 2022 Cleer has rejected using soft iron for the driver and opted for a patented ironless motor assembly paired with a proprietary magnesium diaphragm instead. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 17 June 2022 Waist trainers are very tight, and wearing them restricts your diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates your heart and lungs from other organs, Toshkoff explains. Washington Post, 10 May 2022 See More
Emilia Benton, SELF, 4 Aug. 2022 Most hiatal hernias are thought to be congenital, meaning you were born with the propensity to have a larger-than-needed hole in the diaphragm. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 15 Aug. 2022 Once my diaphragm and stomach wall could relax after letting off the throttle, involuntary war whoops filled the cabin. Mark Ewing, Forbes, 14 Aug. 2022 That, Seifi says, tricks the diaphragm into setting aside the hiccups. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 30 June 2021 In the Smithsonian’s collections, mid-20th century artifacts such as a diaphragm-fitting ring set, dating from between 1930 to 1960, reveal that physicians did assist patients in accessing contraceptives. Alexandra M. Lord, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2022 Then, at her 20-week appointment the ultrasound revealed Charlotte had a large hole in her diaphragm, pressing together her abdominal organs. Shari Rudavsky, The Indianapolis Star, 30 June 2022 Cleer has rejected using soft iron for the driver and opted for a patented ironless motor assembly paired with a proprietary magnesium diaphragm instead. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 17 June 2022 Waist trainers are very tight, and wearing them restricts your diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates your heart and lungs from other organs, Toshkoff explains. Washington Post, 10 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English diafragma, borrowed from Late Latin diaphragma, borrowed from Greek diáphragma "partition, barrier, partition of tissue separating organs," from diaphrak-, stem of diaphrássein "to divide off, separate" (from dia- dia- + phrássein, Attic phráttein "to fence in, enclose, block," of obscure origin) + -ma, resultative noun suffix
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing diaphragm
Kids Definition
diaphragm
noun
di·a·phragm ˈdī-ə-ˌfram
1
: a muscular wall that separates the lungs from the stomach area and assists in breathing in
2
: a thin disk (as in a microphone) that vibrates when sound strikes it
Medical Definition
diaphragm
noun
di·a·phragm ˈdī-ə-ˌfram
1
: a body partition of muscle and connective tissue
specifically : the partition separating the chest and abdominal cavities in mammals see pelvic diaphragm, urogenital diaphragm
2
: a device that limits the aperture of a lens or optical system
3
: a molded cap usually of thin rubber fitted over the uterine cervix to act as a mechanical contraceptive barrier
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