microwave
|mi-cro-wave|
🇺🇸
/ˈmaɪ.kroʊˌweɪv/
🇬🇧
/ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌweɪv/
small electromagnetic wave
Etymology
'microwave' originates from the combination of 'micro-' meaning 'small' and 'wave' referring to the electromagnetic wave.
'microwave' was first used in the context of electromagnetic waves in the early 20th century and later adapted to refer to the kitchen appliance in the mid-20th century.
Initially, it referred to the electromagnetic wave, but over time it evolved to also mean the kitchen appliance.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an electromagnetic wave with a wavelength in the range of 1 mm to 1 m, used in radar, communication, and for heating in microwave ovens.
Microwaves are used in various communication technologies.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a kitchen appliance that cooks or heats food by using microwaves.
I heated my lunch in the microwave.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to cook or heat food using a microwave oven.
She microwaved the leftovers for dinner.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42