noun

diaphragm

DYE-uh-fram/ˈdaɪəfræm/

A thin partition separating or controlling passage between spaces.

The diaphragm flattens beneath the lungs as you breathe in.

An isolated anatomical cutaway of the lungs and the broad domed diaphragm directly beneath them, with a smaller companion view showing the diaphragm flattening and the lungs expanding during inhalation.

Etymology

The pieces evoke a fence or barrier placed across something. The breathing muscle is named for its role as a partition separating the chest cavity from the abdomen.

In context

Armando Hasudungan1:16

here is a diaphragm which is an important muscle for respiration together with the intercostal muscles and the serratus

Lung Pleura - Clinical Anatomy and Physiology

More examples

A thin diaphragm vibrates inside the microphone to pick up sound.
She uses a diaphragm with spermicide to prevent pregnancy.
The camera's diaphragm opens wider to let in more light.

Forms

diaphragm · diaphragms

diaphragmatic adjective — Relating to or involving the diaphragm.

Similar words

membrane: A thin layer that may cover rather than divide spaces.
partition: A general divider, not necessarily thin, flexible, or adjustable.