Part 256

Di`a*pha*nom"e*ter (?), n. [Gr. &?; transparent + -meter.] An instrument for measuring the transparency of the air.

Di`a*phan"o*scope (?), n. [Gr. &?; transparent + -scope.] (Photog.) A dark box constructed for viewing transparent pictures, with or without a lens.

Di`a*phan"o*type (?), n. [Gr. &?; transparent + -type.] (Photog.) A colored photograph produced by superimposing a translucent colored positive over a strong uncolored one.

Di*aph"a*nous (?), a. [Gr. &?;, fr. &?; to show or shine through; dia` through + &?; to show, and in the passive, to shine: cf. F. diaphane. See Phantom, and cf. Diaphane, Diaphanic.] Allowing light to pass through, as porcelain; translucent or transparent; pellucid; clear.

Another cloud in the region of them, light enough to be fantastic and diaphanous.

Landor.

Di*aph"a*nous*ly, adv. Translucently.

Di*aph`e*met"ric (?), a. [Gr. dia` through + &?; touch + &?; measure.] (Physiol.) Relating to the measurement of the tactile sensibility of parts; as, diaphemetric compasses. Dunglison.

{ Di`a*phon"ic (?), Di`a*phon"ic*al (?) }, a. [Gr. dia` through + &?; sound, tone.] Diacoustic.

Di`a*phon"ics (?), n. The doctrine of refracted sound; diacoustics.

||Di`a*pho*re"sis (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. &?;, fr. &?; to carry through, to throw off by perspiration; dia` through + &?; to carry.] (Med.) Perspiration, or an increase of perspiration.

{ Di`a*pho*ret"ic (?), Di`a*pho*ret"ic*al (?), } a. [L. diaphoreticus, Gr. &?;: cf. F. diaphorétique. See Diaphoresis.] Having the power to increase perspiration.

Di`a*pho*ret"ic, n. (Med.) A medicine or agent which promotes perspiration.

Diaphoretics differ from sudorifics; the former only increase the insensible perspiration, the latter excite the sensible discharge called sweat. Parr.

Di"a*phote (?), n. [Pref. dia- + Gr. &?;, light.] (Elec.) An instrument designed for transmitting pictures by telegraph. Fallows.

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.

2. (Anat.) The muscular and tendinous partition separating the cavity of the chest from that of the abdomen; the midriff.

3. (Zoöl.) A calcareous plate which divides the cavity of certain shells into two parts.

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.

5. (Mach.) A partition in any compartment, for various purposes.

Diaphragm pump, one in which a flexible diaphragm takes the place of a piston.

Di`a*phrag*mat"ic (?), a. [Cf. F. diaphragmatique.] Pertaining to a diaphragm; as, diaphragmatic respiration; the diaphragmatic arteries and nerves.

Di*aph"y*sis (?), n. [Gr. &?; a growing through; dia` through + &?; to bring forth.] 1. (Bot.) An abnormal prolongation of the axis of inflorescence.

2. (Anat.) The shaft, or main part, of a bone, which is first ossified.

Di`ap*no"ic (?), a. [Gr. &?; outlet for the wind, exhalation, fr. &?; to blow through; dia` through + &?; to blow, breathe: cf. F. diapnoïque.] (Med.) Slightly increasing an insensible perspiration; mildly diaphoretic. -- n. A gentle diaphoretic.

Di*ap`o*phys"ic*al (?), a. (Anat.) Pertaining to a diapophysis.

||Di`a*poph"y*sis (?), n. [NL. See Dia-, and Apophysis.] (Anat.) The dorsal transverse, or tubercular, process of a vertebra. See Vertebra.

Di"arch*y (?), n. [Gr. di- = di`s- twice + &?; to rule.] A form of government in which the supreme power is vested in two persons.