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)

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

/ 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

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 Word Forms

• microwaveable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of microwave¹

First recorded in 1930–35; micro- + wave

Example Sentences

Advances at the lab contributed to radar systems, microwave ovens, jet engines and nuclear reactors, said Maury Fey, who worked there.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

On New Year’s Eve, Amanda and I celebrated with nobody else, but watched the live feed from Times Square, while eating microwaved burritos in bed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“These rocks are like microwaves,” she said, quickly dipping them in buckets of water to remove the ash.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For people who really need a hot meal, the office microwave just doesn’t cut it — no one wants their pho coming out smelling like popcorn and old pasta sauce.

Read more on Salon

From the outside, the building is modest, but inside, the recently renovated lobby is bright and welcoming, with plenty of seating and a communal microwave that’s surprisingly handy.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• bake 
• zap