ˈdaɪəfræm n. 1 a
muscular partition separating
the thorax from the
abdomen in mammals. 2 a partition in
animal and plant tissues. 3 a
disc pierced by
one or
more holes in
optical and
acoustic systems etc. 4 a
device for varying the
effective aperture of the
lens in a
camera etc. 5 a
thin contraceptive cap fitting over the
cervix. 6 a thin sheet of
material used as a partition etc. ødiaphragm pump a pump using a
flexible diaphragm in
place of a
piston. øødiaphragmatic adj. [ME f. LL diaphragma f. Gk (as
DIA-, phragma -atos f. phrasso
fence in)]