noun
diaphragm
DEYE-uh-fram
noun
1
The dome-shaped muscle beneath the lungs that controls breathing.
"Singers are taught to breathe from the diaphragm for better control."
"A sudden spasm of the diaphragm causes hiccups."
2
A dome-shaped contraceptive device inserted to cover the cervix.
"She was fitted for a diaphragm at her doctor's appointment."
3
A thin, flexible membrane, such as the vibrating part of a speaker or microphone.
"The speaker's diaphragm vibrates to produce sound waves."
How to Use Diaphragm
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe muscle that powers breathing; also a thin flexible membrane used in devices, or a barrier-style contraceptive.
Common pairings
breathe from the diaphragm
diaphragm muscle
Word Forms
diaphragmed past tense, diaphragms plural, diaphragms singular
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Singers are taught to breathe from the _____ for better control.
Etymology
From Greek diaphragma ("partition"), from dia- ("across") + phragma ("barrier, fence").