microwave

plural microwaves

1. An electromagnetic wave with wavelength between that of infrared light and radio waves.

   Many radar systems use a combination of radio waves and microwaves.

   1 more example

   Microwaves do not follow the curvature of the earth, but travel in a straight line. They must therefore have unobstructed "line of sight" and the dish aerials have to be sited on towers or high buildings, on high ground, or a combination of all three.

   1964 August, “The NER's microwave radio-telephone begins work”, in Modern Railways, page 129

   Synonyms: SHF

2. abbreviationellipsisEllipsis of microwave oven.

   Just put it in the microwave for 30 seconds and it's ready to eat.

   1 more example

   Step through your steel front door frame / "Dinner's in the microwave, sweetie"

   1982, Thomas Dolby, “Leipzig”, in The Golden Age of Wireless

present singular third person microwaves · participle present microwaving · participle past microwaved · past microwaved

1. transitiveTo cook (something) in a microwave oven.

   A vengeful mother-of-three has been jailed for 168 days after being convicted of killing a neighbour's kitten by microwaving the 10-week-old pet.

   2011 December 14, Steven Morris, “Devon woman jailed for 168 days for killing kitten in microwave”, in Guardian

   Synonyms: nuke, microcook, zap

2. slangtransitiveTo provide minimal preparation for implementation, deeming full or extensive preparation to be unnecessary.