microwave

American  

[mahy-kroh-weyv] / ˈmaɪ kroʊˌweɪv /

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.

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verb (used without object)

microwaved, microwaving

1. to use a microwave oven.

verb (used with object)

microwaved, microwaving

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

microwave British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to cook in a microwave oven

microwave Scientific  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• microwaveable adjective

Etymology

Origin of microwave

First recorded in 1930–35; micro- + wave

Example Sentences

The artificial molecule is connected to multiple microwave channels.

From Science Daily

She fixes a bowl, warms it in the microwave, and sets it on the kids’ table for Boo.

From Literature

Darren Jones used to attend cookery lessons at school, but said now he usually used a microwave or oven to cook ready-made meals.

From BBC

Some of the carriages contain charging stations, as well as microwaves and access to satellite internet, according to the Ukrainian government.

From Barron's

It suddenly reminded Owen of how his mother had looked that time he and George started a fire in the microwave trying to slow cook baked potatoes.

From Literature

Related Words

• bake
• zap