microwave
microwave — noun
1. a countertop appliance that quickly warms up or cooks food by directing electrom
a countertop appliance that quickly warms up or cooks food by directing electromagnetic radiation at it
Vinícius reheated his lunch in the microwave for two minutes.
reheat + in the microwave
The new microwave has a sensor that stops cooking when the food is ready.
Could you take the frozen soup out of the microwave before it spills?
Nellie pressed the popcorn button on the microwave and waited for the beep.
Dewi's microwave broke down, so she had to heat everything on the stove.
- microwave oven
the full, slightly more formal name for the same appliance
- oven
a broader term that includes conventional gas and electric ovens, which cook differently
- toaster oven
a smaller countertop appliance that uses radiant heat rather than microwaves, good for browning
常見錯誤
2. a form of electromagnetic energy whose wavelength sits between infrared light an
a form of electromagnetic energy whose wavelength sits between infrared light and radio waves, applied in cooking, radar, and wireless communication
Microwaves can pass through glass and plastic but are reflected by metal surfaces.
pass through / reflected by metal
Scientists use microwaves to communicate with satellites orbiting the Earth.
Radar towers detect aircraft by sending out microwaves and measuring the returning echo.
The magnetron inside the oven produces microwaves that bounce around the metal cavity.
- radio wave
a longer wavelength form of electromagnetic radiation; microwaves sit between radio and infrared
- radiation
a broader category that includes all electromagnetic energy, not just microwaves
- ultra-high frequency wave
a technical synonym used in engineering, referring to the specific frequency range
用法筆記
This sense is primarily used in scientific and technical contexts. The plural form 'microwaves' is very common when referring to radiation in general.
常見錯誤
microwave — verb
1. to warm up or cook food by placing it inside a microwave oven for a short time
to warm up or cook food by placing it inside a microwave oven for a short time
Mizuki microwaved her leftover rice for a quick lunch before class.
microwave + leftover [food]
The instructions on the box say to microwave the meal for three minutes on high power.
Christopher microwaved a frozen burrito and ate it at his desk between meetings.
Rachel microwaved the baby's bottle for thirty seconds and tested the temperature on her wrist.
文法句型
microwave + food/liquid
microwave + noun + for + time period
用法筆記
Frequently used in everyday spoken English and recipe instructions. Common with time expressions (for X seconds/minutes) and power level mentions (on high/medium). Can be used in the negative imperative ('Don't microwave metal containers').