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Microwaving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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microwaving

[ˈmaɪkrəˌweɪvɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

food preparation

Microwaving refers to the process of cooking or heating food using a microwave oven. The microwave oven utilizes electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range to agitate water molecules in food, causing them to heat up and cook the food. This method is popular for its speed and convenience, allowing for quick meal preparation. It is particularly useful for reheating leftovers and defrosting frozen items. However, certain foods may not heat evenly in a microwave, requiring attention to time and power settings.

Synonyms

heating, nuking, waving.

Examples of usage

  • I'm microwaving a burrito for lunch.
  • She is microwaving the soup to warm it up.
  • After the meal, we started microwaving the leftovers.
  • He prefers microwaving his coffee instead of using a kettle.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The concept of using microwave radiation for cooking was discovered by accident in 1945 when an engineer found that a candy bar melted in his pocket near radar equipment.
  • The first commercial microwave oven was introduced in 1947, known as the 'Radarange', and was the size of a refrigerator.

Technology

  • Food cooks faster in a microwave because it heats water molecules directly, allowing for more rapid cooking than traditional methods.
  • Microwave ovens can be found in more than 90% of American households, showcasing their popularity and convenience.

Health

  • Studies show that microwaving can retain more nutrients in vegetables compared to boiling, as the cooking time is shorter.
  • The FDA has set safety standards for microwave ovens, ensuring they do not leak radiation and are safe for daily use.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'microwave' often evokes images of fast-paced cooking and is sometimes humorously associated with impatient meal prep in sitcoms and movies.
  • In many cooking shows, hosts recommend microwaving as a quick solution for busy lifestyles, highlighting its cultural importance in modern cooking.

Environmental Impact

  • Using a microwave can be more energy-efficient for small meals compared to heating a large oven, potentially reducing carbon footprint.
  • The rise of microwave cooking has influenced packaging designs, with many foods now being packaged specifically for microwave use.

Origin of 'microwaving'

The term 'microwave' originates from 'microwaves', which are a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from one meter to one millimeter. The first practical microwave oven was invented in 1945 by Percy Spencer, an engineer who discovered that microwave radiation could cook food while working on radar technology. He noted that a candy bar in his pocket melted while he was testing a magnetron, leading him to experiment with food. The first commercial microwave oven, called the 'Radarange', was introduced by Raytheon in 1947. Over the years, microwave ovens evolved with more compact designs and features like automated cooking settings. The popularity of microwaving as a cooking method surged in homes during the 1970s, becoming a staple in modern kitchens for its efficiency and ease of use.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,514, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.