1. (anatomy) a muscular partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities; functions in respiration
   "The diaphragm contracts during inhalation, expanding the lungs";
   - midriff
    
2. A mechanical device in a camera that controls size of aperture of the lens
   "the new cameras adjust the diaphragm automatically";
   - stop
    
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
   "She chose to use a diaphragm as her preferred method of birth control";
   - pessary, contraceptive diaphragm
    
4. Electro-acoustic transducer that vibrates to receive or produce sound waves
   "The microphone's diaphragm converts sound waves into electrical signals"

Derived forms: diaphragms

Type of: birth control device, contraceptive, contraceptive device, disc, disk [N. Amer], mechanical device, membrane, muscle system, muscular structure, musculature, preventative, preventive, prophylactic device, tissue layer

Part of: body, camera, electro-acoustic transducer, photographic camera, torso, trunk

Encyclopedia: Diaphragm