Diaphragm
['daɪəfræm] or ['daɪə'fræm]
Definition
(noun.) a mechanical device in a camera that controls size of aperture of the lens; 'the new cameras adjust the diaphragm automatically'.
(noun.) electro-acoustic transducer that vibrates to receive or produce sound waves.
(noun.) 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.
(noun.) (anatomy) a muscular partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities; functions in respiration.
Inputed by Kelly--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A dividing membrane or thin partition, commonly with an opening through it.
(n.) The muscular and tendinous partition separating the cavity of the chest from that of the abdomen; the midriff.
(n.) A calcareous plate which divides the cavity of certain shells into two parts.
(n.) 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.
(n.) A partition in any compartment, for various purposes.
Inputed by Cornelia
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Midriff.
Edited by Davy
Definition
n. a thin partition or dividing membrane: the midriff a structure separating the chest from the abdomen: a metal plate with a central hole for cutting off side-rays in a camera &c.—adjs. Diaphragmat′ic Diaphrag′mal.—n. Diaphragmatī′tis inflammation of the diaphragm.
Edited by Katy
Unserious Contents or Definition
n. A muscular partition separating disorders of the chest from disorders of the bowels.
Editor: Vito
Examples
- The needle, in passing rapidly in contact with the recorded waves, was vibrated up and down, causing corresponding vibrations of the diaphragm. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- They were then carried through the receiving armature and reproduced on the receiving diaphragm, with all the same characteristics of pitch, loudness and quality. William Henry Doolittle. Inventions in the Century.
- The diaphragm A, of thin ferrotype plate, is clamped at its edges between the cap, or mouth-piece, and the handle. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- Resting on the cylinder was a palladium-faced pen or spring, which was attached to a mica diaphragm in a resonator. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- The carbon disk is represented by the black portion, E, near the diaphragm, A, placed between two platinum plates D and G, which are connected in the battery circuit, as shown by the lines. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- As the singer interprets the song the vibrations set up by the singer’s voice are communicated to the diaphragm by the passage of the sound through the horn. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- He heard the firing and as he walked he felt it in the pit of his stomach as though it echoed on his own diaphragm. Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom The Bell Tolls.
- These indentations correspond to the vibrations imparted to the needle through the diaphragm, and are the recorded sounds made by the singer or band. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- The mouthpiece A had adjacent to the cylinder a flexible diaphragm carrying a little point or stylus which bore against the tin foil on the cylinder. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- The front end of this cylindrical shield is provided with a diaphragm or bulkhead in which are apertures which may be opened or closed at will. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- Suspended above, but in contact with the surface of the blank, is a recording needle or stylus, attached to a diaphragm which, in turn, is connected to an amplifying horn. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- Reis evidently did not know how to make the vibrations of his diaphragm translate themselves into exactly commensurate and correlated electric impulses of equal rapidity, range, and quality. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- As the waxed disc and pan are revolved, the stylus and diaphragm are gradually moved by gears toward the center of the disc. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- Its function is like that of a hinge, which allows the diaphragm to freely swing inward. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- This mouthpiece had a diaphragm and stylus similar to the other one, only more delicately constructed. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- The diaphragms in all the chambers are so connected that they move in concert. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- By means of slide valves, like those of a steam engine, worked by the movement of the diaphragms, the gas to be measured passes alternately in and out of each space. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- The diaphragms used in the recorders and reproducers are made of French rolled plate glass, thinner than a sheet of ordinary writing paper. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- There were two diaphragms, one on each side of the cylinder, one being for recording and the other for reproducing speech or other sounds. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
Typist: Lottie