ENGLISH
REFERENCE

diaphragm

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈdaɪəˌfɹæm// UK //dˈaɪəfɹˌæm// di·aphragm

n. a large, flat muscle between your chest and your stomach. It moves up and down to help you breathe.

n. the primary muscle of respiration that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. It contracts and flattens during inhalation, creating a vacuum that draws air into the lungs.


SIMPLE

Singers use their diaphragm to control their breath.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor explained that a hiccup is actually a sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm.

COMPLEX

Effective breath support in classical vocal performance relies on the conscious engagement of the diaphragm to maintain a steady column of air throughout long melodic phrases.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English diafragma, Ancient Greek διάφραγμα (diáphragma, “partition”), from διά (diá, “across”) and φράγμα (phrágma, “barrier”), from the verb φράσσω (phrássō). First attested in the late 14th century.

Usage

In its anatomical sense, it is a countable noun referring to the specific muscle structure.

© 2026 English Reference