microwave

Definition

An electrical kitchen appliance that heats food by emitting microwave radiation, causing water molecules in the food to vibrate and generate heat. It is one of the fastest methods for warming or cooking food at home.

Example Usage

I threw my leftovers in the microwave for two minutes to reheat them.

Origin

Invented accidentally in 1945 by Percy Spencer, an engineer at Raytheon, who noticed a chocolate bar melting in his pocket while standing near a magnetron; the first commercial microwave oven was introduced in 1947.

Fun Fact

Early microwave ovens were the size of refrigerators and cost as much as a car; the name 'microwave' refers to the type of electromagnetic radiation used, not the appliance's size.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

Related Terms

Advanced

vegetolerable

Someone who tolerates vegetarians and vegans despite being an unapologetic carnivore themselves, or alternatively, someone who'll eat vegetables but clearly wishes they were steak. It's the dietary version of being bilingual—you understand the language but wouldn't call it your first choice. Perfect for describing that friend who respects your plant-based lifestyle while aggressively side-eyeing your tofu.

🍳 Food / Culinary

Intermediate

Hard pour corn

A hypothetical premium or extreme variety of corn that represents an acquired taste—the kind of snack you only reach for once you've exhausted all milder options and crave something boldly unapologetic.

🍳 Food / Culinary

Intermediate

Crystal Pepsi

A clear, caffeine-free cola variant of Pepsi introduced by PepsiCo in 1992 that attempted to capitalize on the 'clear' beverage trend of the early 1990s. Despite novelty appeal and significant marketing investment, it failed to gain lasting market acceptance and was discontinued in 1993, though it has been revived periodically.

🍳 Food / Culinary

Beginner

Whisk

To vigorously beat air into a mixture using a wire whisk, or the utensil itself. The pathway to fluffy omelets, stiff peaks, and arms that ache the next day.

🍳 Food / Culinary

Advanced

beurre monté

An emulsion of butter and water that remains creamy and fluid even when warm, used for poaching or enriching sauces. Molecular wizardry that keeps butter from breaking when you need it liquid but still buttery.

🍳 Food / Culinary

Intermediate

sachet d'épices

A bundle of aromatic herbs and spices tied in cheesecloth for flavoring stocks and sauces, designed to be easily removed. It's a bouquet garni's more organized cousin. Also: A small pouch of cheesecloth containing herbs and spices for flavoring stocks and braises. It's literally a tea bag for savory cooking. Also: A bundle of herbs and spices (usually tied in cheesecloth) added to liquid during cooking and removed before serving. It's basically a tea bag for savory dishes.

🍳 Food / Culinary

Translate This Term

See “microwave” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Intermediate

Wif

A top-five ranking (could be good or bad) expressed in abbreviated form; the tone of voice determines whether it's prais...