microwave

[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 mm to 30 cm.
2.
microwave oven.
verb (used without object), microwaved, microwaving.
3.
to use a microwave oven.
verb (used with object), microwaved, microwaving.
4.
to cook, defrost, or otherwise prepare in a microwave oven.
Origin
1930-35; micro- + wave
Related forms
microwaveable, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for microwaves

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 (transitive)
3.
to cook in a microwave oven
Word Origin and History for microwaves

microwave

n.

type of electromagnetic wave, 1931, coined in English from micro- + wave (n.). First record of microwave oven is from 1961; microwave as short for this is attested from 1974; as a verb, from 1976.

microwaves in Medicine

microwave mi·cro·wave (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. mi·cro·waved, mi·cro·wav·ing, mi·cro·waves
To cook or heat using microwaves.

microwaves in Science
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.
microwaves in Culture

microwaves definition


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.