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

Those who hopped the fence returned with photos of what looked like a burned encampment: dozens of pull-tab cans, a grill, and the singed remains of fans, a microwave, and a rug.

From Slate

It was just so funny to switch gears and go into academia and hear just the day-to-day drudgery of being on campus and see the little signs of, “Don’t heat broccoli in the microwave, it stinks up the whole office.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

Earlier this year, Tejada even served on the North Hollywood Northeast Neighborhood Council — “until I figured out they would sit there and discuss purchasing a microwave for an hour instead of dealing with real city issues.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bake
• zap