Definition of "diaphragm"

(anatomy) 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.  examples

(anatomy) Any of various membranes or sheets of muscle or ligament which separate one cavity from another.  examples

A contraceptive device consisting of a flexible cup, used to cover the cervix during intercourse.  examples

(mechanics) 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.  examples

(acoustics) In a speaker, the thin, semi-rigid membrane which vibrates to produce sound.  examples

(optics, photography) A thin opaque structure with a central aperture, used to limit the passage of light into a camera or similar device.  examples

(chemistry) A permeable or semipermeable membrane.  quotations  examples

(construction) A floor slab, metal wall panel, roof panel or the like, having a sufficiently large in-plane shear stiffness and sufficient strength to transmit horizontal forces to resisting systems.  examples

(optics, photography) To reduce lens aperture using an optical diaphragm.  quotations  examples

To act as a diaphragm, for example by vibrating.  quotations  examples