- Diaphragm pump
- Diaphragm Di"a*phragm, n. [L. diaphragma, Gr. ?, fr. ? to
fence by a partition wall; dia` through + ?, ?, to fence,
inclose; prob. akin to L. fareire to stuff: cf. F.
diaphragme. See {Farce}.]
1. A dividing membrane or thin partition, commonly with an
opening through it.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Anat.) The muscular and tendinous partition separating the cavity of the chest from that of the abdomen; the midriff. [1913 Webster]
3. (Zo["o]l.) A calcareous plate which divides the cavity of certain shells into two parts. [1913 Webster]
4. (Opt.) 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. [1913 Webster]
5. (Mach.) A partition in any compartment, for various purposes. [1913 Webster]
{Diaphragm pump}, one in which a flexible diaphragm takes the place of a piston. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.