microwave
UK[ˈmaɪ.krə.weɪv]US[ˈmaɪ.kroʊ.weɪv]
n
An electromagnetic wave with a wavelength between about one millimeter and one meter, shorter than a radio wave but longer than infrared light.
n
(also microwave oven) An oven that uses microwaves to cook or heat food very quickly.
v
To cook or heat something in a microwave oven.
Morpheme Breakdown
micro
wave
micro
small
wave
wave
Etymology
The word 'microwave' is a modern scientific compound formed in English. The first element, 'micro-', derives from the ancient Greek 'mikros', meaning small, reflecting the wave's relatively short wavelength compared to traditional radio waves. The second element, 'wave', has Germanic origins, from Old English words describing motion or undulation. The term was coined in the 1930s to describe a specific segment of the electromagnetic spectrum. Its application to the domestic cooking appliance, a 'microwave oven', followed in the mid-20th century, where the name directly references the type of radiation it utilizes to agitate water molecules and generate heat.
Analysis
Structure: micro (small) + wave (wave)
- micro: From Greek 'mikros', meaning 'small'. In English, it functions as a combining form meaning 'very small' or 'dealing with minute things'.
- wave: From Old English 'wafian' (to wave with the hands) and related to 'wæg' (motion, wave). In this compound, it refers to an undulating form or a type of electromagnetic radiation.
Examples
The scientist studied the properties of the microwave for communication.
She heated the leftovers in the microwave for two minutes.
Don't forget to microwave the butter to soften it before baking.