diaphragm

/ˈdaɪəˌfɹæm/ · noun

Meaning

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.
Any of various membranes or sheets of muscle or ligament which separate one cavity from another.
A contraceptive device consisting of a flexible cup, used to cover the cervix during intercourse.
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.
(acoustics) In a speaker, the thin, semi-rigid membrane which vibrates to produce sound.
A thin opaque structure with a central aperture, used to limit the passage of light into a camera or similar device.
To reduce lens aperture using an optical diaphragm.
To act as a diaphragm, for example by vibrating.

No prose etymology has been added yet.

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