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.

Origin of microwave

First recorded in 1930–35; micro- + wave

OTHER WORDS FROM microwave

mi·cro·wave·a·ble, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for microwaves

British Dictionary definitions for microwaves

microwave
/ (ˈmaɪkrəʊˌweɪv) /

noun

  1. electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 0.3 to 0.001 metres: used in radar, cooking, etc
  2. (as modifier)microwave generator
short for microwave oven

verb (tr)

to cook in a microwave oven

Medical definitions for microwaves

microwave
[ mīkrə-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
[ mīkrō-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.