type of electromagnetic wave, 1931, coined in English from micro- + wave (n.). First record of microwave oven is from 1961 (micro-oven also was used); microwave as short for this is attested from 1974; as a verb, from 1976. For a verb, "Better Homes and Gardens: magazine tried micro-cook (1976).

a type of laser that emits microwaves, 1955, acronym from "microwave amplification (by) stimulated emission (of) radiation." Related: Mase (v.).

short for nuclear weapon, 1959, U.S. military slang (see nuclear). The verb is attested from 1962; the slang sense of "to cook in a microwave oven" is by 1987. Related: Nuked; nuking.