Microwave: meaning, definitions and examples
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microwave
[ ˈmaɪ.kroʊ.weɪv ]
cooking appliance
A microwave is a kitchen appliance that cooks or heats food using electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range. Microwaves excite water molecules in food, causing them to heat up and cook the food quickly. Microwaves are often used for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, and cooking popcorn. Many households rely on microwaves due to their convenience and speed, making them a staple in modern kitchens.
Synonyms
microwave cooker, microwave oven
Examples of usage
- I heated my lunch in the microwave.
- She used the microwave to defrost the meat.
- Popcorn pops quickly in the microwave.
Translations
Translations of the word "microwave" in other languages:
🇵🇹 micro-ondas
🇮🇳 माइक्रोवेव
🇩🇪 Mikrowelle
🇮🇩 microwave
🇺🇦 мікрохвильова піч
🇵🇱 mikrofalówka
🇯🇵 電子レンジ
🇫🇷 micro-ondes
🇪🇸 microondas
🇹🇷 mikrodalga
🇰🇷 전자레인지
🇸🇦 ميكروويف
🇨🇿 mikrovlnná trouba
🇸🇰 mikrovlnná rúra
🇨🇳 微波炉
🇸🇮 mikrovalovna pečica
🇮🇸 örbylgjuofn
🇰🇿 микротолқын пеші
🇬🇪 მიკროტალღური ღუმელი
🇦🇿 mikrodalğa sobası
🇲🇽 microondas
Etymology
The word 'microwave' originated in the early 20th century, deriving from the combination of 'micro-' which comes from the Greek 'mikros' meaning 'small' and 'wave,' referring to the electromagnetic waves. The term started being used specifically in the context of cooking in the 1940s, when the technology of microwave radiation for heating food was developed following World War II. Percy Spencer, an engineer, discovered that microwaves could cook food when he noticed that a candy bar melted in his pocket while he worked on a radar project. This led to the invention of the first microwave oven, known as the 'Radarange,' which was commercially introduced in 1947. The ability to quickly heat and cook food with microwaves revolutionized how people prepared meals, leading to the widespread use of microwaves in households and restaurants.