microwave

[ mahy-kroh-weyv ]

noun

1. an electromagnetic wave of extremely high frequency, 1 GH 3 or more, and having wavelengths of from 1 millimeter to 30 centimeters.
2. microwave oven.

verb (used without object)

, mi·cro·waved, mi·cro·wav·ing.

1. to use a microwave oven.

verb (used with object)

, mi·cro·waved, mi·cro·wav·ing.

1. to cook, defrost, or otherwise prepare in a microwave oven.

microwave

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌweɪv /

noun

1. 1. electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 0.3 to 0.001 metres: used in radar, cooking, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      microwave generator

2. short for microwave oven

verb

1. to cook in a microwave oven

microwave

/ mī′krō-wāv′ /

1. An electromagnetic wave with a frequency in the range of 100 megahertz to 30 gigahertz (lower than infrared but higher than other radio waves). Microwaves are used in radar, radio transmission, cooking, and other applications. Microwaves are generated naturally by many astronomical phenomena and are found in cosmic background radiation .
2. See more at electromagnetic spectrum

Other Words From

• micro·wavea·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of microwave¹

First recorded in 1930–35; micro- + wave

Example Sentences

It was like being "microwaved", he tells the BBC film, as his body was exposed to the raw power of a nuclear weapon.

From BBC

The housing association told the BBC Ben "accepted" the home knowing it had no white goods, but they provided funds to ensure he could purchase essentials, like a cooker and microwave.

From BBC

Opposite her single bed, within touching distance, sits a microwave, her only means of food preparation.

From BBC

“High powered lasers are being worked on and the other technology is using microwave cannons to burn the drone electronics,” Dr Kalisky said.

From BBC

“A lot of times I try to get something I can microwave,” said Nakatsuru, who no longer cooks for herself.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bake
• zap