Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Anatomy) The diaphragm: A muscular partition that separates the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity and plays a crucial role in respiration.
   • The middle part of the torso: The area of the human body between the chest and the waist, especially the front part.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Anatomy: diaphragm):
  • The contraction of the midriff is essential for breathing.
  • The doctor explained how the midriff separates the lungs from the stomach.
• Noun (Torso area):
  • She wore a top that exposed her midriff.
  • The cold wind made her bare midriff feel chilly.

Advanced Usage

• "A bare midriff": A fashion style where the middle section of the torso is uncovered.
  • The trend of a bare midriff became popular in the 1990s.

Variants and Related Words

• Diaphragm (n): The technical anatomical term for the muscular partition; also a contraceptive device or a thin membrane.
  • The diaphragm is the primary muscle used in inhalation.
• Midsection (n): A general term for the middle part of something, often the body.
  • He focused his exercises on strengthening his midsection.

Synonyms

• Diaphragm: (for the anatomical partition)
• Waist: (for the general torso area, though "waist" is more specific to the narrow part)
• Abdomen: (for the belly area, but this is lower than the typical "midriff")

Idioms and Common Phrases

• To have a bare midriff: To wear clothing that leaves the middle of the torso exposed.
  • It's common to have a bare midriff when wearing a crop top.

Noun

1. (anatomy) a muscular partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities; functions in respiration
2. the middle area of the human torso (usually in front)
   • young American women believe that a bare midriff is fashionable