microwaves

Cultural

Electromagnetic waves with a wavelength on the order of a few inches. Microwaves are longer than infrared radiation and shorter than radio waves. Microwaves are used extensively for communication, both in satellite television and for the transmission of long-distance telephone signals. In a microwave oven, food is cooked by the heat generated when the water in the food absorbs microwaves.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation with a long history at Columbia.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2024

Microwaves can coax a circuit into either state—or into both at once.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 22, 2023

Microwaves usually save energy as they cook faster.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2022

Microwaves often have cold spots, so check the internal temperature of the food in several places with a food thermometer.

From Salon • Nov. 24, 2021

Microwaves penetrated the mist of rapidly ionizing gases.

From The Aliens by Dongen, H. R. van

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023