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.
OTHER WORDS FROM microwave
mi·cro·wave·a·ble, adjectiveWords nearby microwave
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
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.
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.
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.