microwave oven

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microwave oven

microwave oven device that uses microwaves to rapidly cook food. The microwaves cause water molecules in the food to vibrate, producing heat, which is distributed through the food by induction. A special electron tube called a magnetron produces the microwaves. Typical output power for consumer devices ranges from 650 to 1200 watts. To ensure even heating, the magnetron directs its waves at a rotating metal disk with offset vanes, which scatters the waves through the oven cavity; a rotating platform for the food is sometimes used in addition. Power settings may reduce the amount of radiation by cycling a constant-output magnetron on and off for varying lengths of time, or may reduce the level of radiation constantly produced by an inverter magnetron. The magnetron may be supplemented by quartz and halogen bulbs for browning food, which microwaves do poorly.

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microwave

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | © The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English 2009, originally published by Oxford University Press 2009. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

mi·cro·wave / ˈmīkrəˌwāv/ • n. an electromagnetic wave with a wavelength in the range 0.001–0.3 m, shorter than that of a normal radio wave but longer than those of infrared radiation. Microwaves are used in radar, in communications, and for heating in microwave ovens and in various industrial processes. ∎ short for microwave oven. • v. [tr.] cook (food) in a microwave oven. DERIVATIVES: mi·cro·wave·a·ble (also mi·cro·wav·a·ble) adj.

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Samsung Revolutionizes the Home Appliance Industry With the First Toast & Bake Microwave Oven. Business Wire; 4/18/2002
	Samsung, NHTSA Announce Recall of Microwave Ovens in RVs. Business Wire; 10/8/2003
	General Electric Recalls Microwave Combo Wall Ovens Due to Fire Hazard. Business Wire; 12/5/2007

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