microwave
[ mahy-kroh-weyv ]
/ ˈmaɪ kroʊˌweɪv /
noun
an electromagnetic wave of extremely high frequency, 1 GH3 or more, and having wavelengths of from 1 mm to 30 cm.
verb (used without object), mi·cro·waved, mi·cro·wav·ing.
to use a microwave oven.
verb (used with object), mi·cro·waved, mi·cro·wav·ing.
to cook, defrost, or otherwise prepare in a microwave oven.
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OTHER WORDS FROM microwave
mi·cro·wave·a·ble, adjectiveWords nearby microwave
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for microwaves
British Dictionary definitions for microwaves
microwave
/ (ˈmaɪkrəʊˌweɪv) /
noun
- electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 0.3 to 0.001 metres: used in radar, cooking, etc
- (as modifier)microwave generator
short for microwave oven
verb (tr)
to cook in a microwave oven
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for microwaves
microwave
[ mī′krə-wāv′, -krō- ]
n.
A high-frequency electromagnetic wave, one millimeter to one meter in wavelength, intermediate between infrared and shortwave radio wavelengths.
v.
To cook or heat using microwaves.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for microwaves
microwave
[ mī′krō-wāv′ ]
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. See more at electromagnetic spectrum.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for microwaves
microwaves
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.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.