noun
diaphragm
DEYE-uh-fram
Diaphragm (noun) means the dome-shaped muscle beneath the lungs that controls breathing. Example: “Singers are taught to breathe from the diaphragm for better control.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- diaphragms
- Third person singular
- diaphragms
- Past tense
- diaphragmed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Singers are taught to breathe from the _____ for better control.
Etymology
From Greek diaphragma ("partition"), from dia- ("across") + phragma ("barrier, fence").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “diaphragm” mean?
The word “diaphragm” means the dome-shaped muscle beneath the lungs that controls breathing. In plain terms, the muscle that powers breathing; also a thin flexible membrane used in devices, or a barrier-style contraceptive.
How do you pronounce “diaphragm”?
“Diaphragm” is pronounced DEYE-uh-fram (/ˈdaɪəˌfɹæm/ in IPA).
How do you use “diaphragm” in a sentence?
Here is “diaphragm” used in a sentence: “Singers are taught to breathe from the diaphragm for better control.”
What part of speech is “diaphragm”?
“Diaphragm” is a noun.
Where does the word “diaphragm” come from?
The word “diaphragm” comes from Greek. From Greek diaphragma ("partition"), from dia- ("across") + phragma ("barrier, fence").
How many meanings does “diaphragm” have?
“Diaphragm” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the dome-shaped muscle beneath the lungs that controls breathing.
