diaphragms

Noun

diaphragm (plural diaphragms)

1. 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.
   • thoracic diaphragm
2. Any of various membranes or sheets of muscle or ligament which separate one cavity from another.
3. A contraceptive device consisting of a flexible cup, used to cover the cervix during intercourse.
   • cervical diaphragm
4. A flexible membrane separating two chambers and fixed around its periphery that distends into one or other chamber as the difference in the pressure in the chambers varies.
   • This is effected by a novel and ingenious application of two flexible diaphragms—the upper of which, being acted upon by the lower, is pulled down on its seat, and forms a perfectly leakless joint.1847, editorial staff, “Improvement in Water Taps, Cister Valves, &c. ”, in Scientific American, series 1, Volume 3, Issue 9, page 68
5. (acoustics) In a speaker, the thin, semi-rigid membrane which vibrates to produce sound.
   • acoustic diaphragm
6. A thin opaque structure with a central aperture, used to limit the passage of light into a camera or similar device.

See all 10 meanings of diaphragm