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Webster 1913 Edition

Diaphragm

Di′a-phragm

,
Noun.
[L.
diaphragma
, Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] to fence by a partition wall;
διά
through + [GREEK], [GREEK], to fence, inclose; prob. akin to L.
fareire
to stuff: cf. F.
diaphragme
. See
Farce
.]
1.
A dividing membrane or thin partition, commonly with an opening through it.
2.
(Anat.)
The muscular and tendinous partition separating the cavity of the chest from that of the abdomen; the midriff.
3.
(Zool.)
A calcareous plate which divides the cavity of certain shells into two parts.
4.
(Opt.)
A plate with an opening, which is generally circular, used in instruments to cut off marginal portions of a beam of light, as at the focus of a telescope.
5.
(Mach.)
A partition in any compartment, for various purposes.
Diaphragm pump
,
one in which a flexible diaphragm takes the place of a piston.

Webster 1828 Edition

Diaphragm

DIAPHRAGM

,
Noun.
Diafram. [Gr., to break off, to defend.]
1.
In anatomy, the midriff, a muscle separating the chest or thorax from the abdomen or lower belly.
2.
A partition or dividing substance.

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