microwave

a. electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 0.3 to 0.001 metres: used in radar, cooking, etc.

b. (as modifier): microwave generator

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

microwave

[′mī·krə‚wāv]

(electromagnetism)

An electromagnetic wave which has a wavelength between about 0.3 and 30 centimeters, corresponding to frequencies of 1-100 gigahertz; however, there are no sharp boundaries distinguishing microwaves from infrared and radio waves.

microwave

Meaning "small wave," a microwave is a radio signal in the frequency range from 300 MHz to 300 GHz or from 1 to 300 GHz, depending on the rating system. Except for AM and FM radio, shortwave radio and over-the-air TV, almost all other communications systems transmit microwaves, including satellites, cellular systems, wireless LANs and line-of-sight between buildings and across vast distances.

Confusing Terminology
The microwave bands include the millimeter wave bands, which range from 30 to 300 GHz. See spectrum, millimeter wave and microwave oven.

Early Microwave Tower

Line-of-sight microwaves were first used to transmit across long distances where the terrain was too difficult to lay cable. This tower was installed in 1969 in Boulder Junction, Colorado. (Image courtesy of AT&T.)

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