microwave — an oven that uses electromagnetic radiation to heat food quickly
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an oven that uses electromagnetic radiation to heat food quickly
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmaɪkrəweɪv/
Example Sentences
- My lazy roommate lives on microwave dinners and instant noodles.
- She accidentally put a metal spoon in the microwave and created fireworks.
- The microwave beeped three times when the food was ready.
microwave
NOUN[/ˈmaɪkrəweɪv/]
an oven that uses electromagnetic radiation to heat food quickly
She reheats last night's pizza in the microwave during her quick lunch break.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term emerged in the 1940s from radar technology research when scientists discovered that microwaves—electromagnetic waves with very short wavelengths—could heat food. The compound word combines the prefix 'micro-' (small) with 'wave', reflecting the wave's diminutive wavelength compared to other electromagnetic radiation.
Breakdown
micro- (small, from Greek mikros) + wave (from Old English wægn, motion of water) = electromagnetic radiation with short wavelengths capable of generating heat in food.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My lazy roommate lives on microwave dinners and instant noodles.”
“She accidentally put a metal spoon in the microwave and created fireworks.”
“The microwave beeped three times when the food was ready.”
“I can microwave popcorn in just three minutes.”
📚Related Words
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