Added 10 October 2026
diaphragm
/ˈdaɪəˌfɹæm/ noun
In Latin: praecordia First recorded: late 14th century Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about diaphragm at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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A mechanical device in a camera that controls size of aperture of the lens.
the new cameras adjust the diaphragm automatically
- (anatomy) a muscular partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities; functions in respiration.
- 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.
Origin
From Middle English diafragma, Ancient Greek διάφραγμα (diáphragma, “partition”), from διά (diá, “across”) and φράγμα (phrágma, “barrier”), from the verb φράσσω (phrássō). First attested in the late 14th century.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)