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Di′a-phragm.

1. A partition in a chamber, tube, or other object.

Flexible diaphragms are used in steam-pressure indicators, faucets, gas-regulators, pumps, etc.


2. (Optics.) An annular disk in a camera or telescope, or other optical instrument, to exclude some of the marginal rays of a beam of light. The original form of this beautiful contrivance is the iris of the eye, which shuts out strong light and regulates the quantity admitted. The use of the iris was known to Leonardo da Vinci.

Diaphragm-faucet.

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