microwave
n. · v.-
1 kitchen appliance (n.) A2 Elementary Cookinga kitchen machine that uses waves of energy to heat or cook food very quickly.
a household appliance, formally known as a microwave oven, that heats food by passing microwave radiation through it.
ExampleI'll just heat up the leftover pasta in the microwave for two minutes.
ExampleThe modern kitchen is rarely without a microwave, as it provides an efficient method for defrosting ingredients and reheating pre-prepared meals.
-
2 energy wave (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Sciencea type of invisible wave used for cooking and sending information.
an electromagnetic wave with a wavelength between that of infrared light and radio waves.
ExampleMicrowaves are used not just for cooking, but also for satellite communications.
ExampleThe researcher explained how microwaves interact with water molecules to generate heat through a process called molecular friction.
- electromagnetic wave
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 to cook (v.) A2 Elementary Cookingto cook or heat food using a microwave oven.
to cook, heat, or defrost food items specifically within a microwave oven. Transitive use requiring a direct object.
ExampleIf you are in a hurry, you can microwave the potato instead of baking it.
ExampleWhile some chefs prefer traditional methods, many find that microwaving certain vegetables preserves more nutrients than boiling them in water.
-
4 to prepare quickly (v.) C1 Advanced Slang Informalto prepare something very quickly without doing much work.
to provide minimal preparation for a project or task, treating thorough preparation as unnecessary. Often used metaphorically in professional contexts.
ExampleWe didn't have a plan, so we just had to microwave the presentation.
ExampleThe team was criticized for microwaving the strategy rather than conducting the deep market research required for such a high-stakes launch.
- over prepare
From micro- + wave.