microwave
nounverbcommon in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈmaɪkɹəʊˌweɪv//
- United States//ˈmaɪkɹoʊˌweɪv//
- //ˈmaɪkɹəˌweɪv//
An electromagnetic wave with wavelength between that of infrared light and radio waves.
noun
- 1
An electromagnetic wave with wavelength between that of infrared light and radio waves.
Many radar systems use a combination of radio waves and microwaves.
Microwaves do not follow the curvature of the earth, but travel in a straight line. They must therefore have unobstructed "line of sight" and the dish aerials have to be sited on towers or high buildings, on high ground, or a combination of all three.
- 2
Variant of microwave ovenEllipsis of microwave oven.
Just put it in the microwave for 30 seconds and it's ready to eat.
Etymology
From micro- + wave.
verb
- 1
To cook (something) in a microwave oven.
A vengeful mother-of-three has been jailed for 168 days after being convicted of killing a neighbour's kitten by microwaving the 10-week-old pet.
- 2
slangTo provide minimal preparation for implementation, deeming full or extensive preparation as unnecessary.
Forms
- plural
- microwaves
- past tense
- microwaved
- past participle
- microwaved
- present participle
- microwaving
- third person singular
- microwaves
microwave · An electromagnetic wave with wavelength between that of infrared light and radio waves.
mid · Occupying a middle position; middle.midday · Noon; twelve o'clock during the day.middle · A centre, midpoint.