diaphragm

/ˈdaɪəˌfræm/
noun
  1. A large muscle below the lungs that helps you breathe by moving up and down.
    • When you take a deep breath, your diaphragm moves downward.
    • Singers learn to control their diaphragm to project their voice.
    • The doctor explained that the diaphragm is essential for proper breathing.
  2. A thin, flexible disk used in some telephones, speakers, or microphones that vibrates to produce or receive sound.
    • A damaged diaphragm in the speaker caused the audio to sound distorted.
    • The microphone's diaphragm converts sound waves into electrical signals.
    • Engineers tested the diaphragm of the telephone to ensure clear calls.
  3. A dome-shaped device that a woman places inside her vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy.
    • Using a diaphragm requires planning ahead of time.
    • She chose a diaphragm as her method of birth control.
    • The nurse showed her how to insert the diaphragm correctly.
  4. A part of a camera or optical instrument that controls the amount of light entering the lens.
    • The camera's diaphragm can be opened wide for low-light shots.
    • Adjusting the diaphragm changes the brightness of the photo.
    • He learned how the diaphragm affects the depth of field in photography.
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