English · Food & Drink
microwave
/ˈmaɪ.krə.weɪv/
[/ˈmaɪ.krə.weɪv/]
oven using radiation
Beginnernoun
Definition
A kitchen appliance that heats and cooks food quickly using electromagnetic radiation.
Example
She reheated the leftover soup in the microwave for two minutes before dinner.
She reheated the leftover soup in the microwave for two minutes before dinner.
Etymology
Coined in the 1930s from 'micro-' (small) and 'wave', the appliance name dating to the 1970s.
How & Where It’s Used
Common in everyday home and office cooking contexts.