magnetron
noun
mag·ne·tron
ˈmag-nə-ˌträn 
: a vacuum tube in which the flow of electrons is controlled by an applied magnetic field to generate power at microwave frequencies
Examples of magnetron in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The magnetron produces microwaves, which are reflected within the metal interior of the oven.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 30 Dec. 2022
Amazing Gadgets Today 40 of the Latest and Greatest Gadget Gifts Spencer earned several patents while working on more efficient and effective ways to mass-produce radar magnetrons.
—Matt Blitz, Popular Mechanics, 24 Mar. 2023
In 1940, physicists at a special laboratory set up by the British Admiralty had developed a powerful tube for generating microwaves: the multicavity magnetron.
—IEEE Spectrum, 25 Aug. 2015
Understandably curious about just what the heck had happened, Spencer ran another test with the magnetron.
—Matt Blitz, Popular Mechanics, 24 Mar. 2023
Courtesy of The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations One of the research goodies offered by the British included a radio tube called the cavity magnetron.
—Jeremy Hsu, Discover Magazine, 16 Jan. 2018
In 1945, while standing near an active magnetron, a chocolate bar melted in his pocket — and a new idea was born.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2022
In 1945, Raytheon’s Percy Spencer stands in front of a magnetron (the power tube of radar) and feels a candy bar start to melt in his pocket: He is intrigued.
—Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 20 Oct. 2022
The magnetron emits electromagnetic waves in a continuous motion to generate enough energy to heat food, says Ali Manning, food scientist and consultant.
—Sarra Sedghi, Bon Appétit, 15 July 2022
See More
IEEE Spectrum, 30 Dec. 2022
Amazing Gadgets Today 40 of the Latest and Greatest Gadget Gifts Spencer earned several patents while working on more efficient and effective ways to mass-produce radar magnetrons.
—Matt Blitz, Popular Mechanics, 24 Mar. 2023
In 1940, physicists at a special laboratory set up by the British Admiralty had developed a powerful tube for generating microwaves: the multicavity magnetron.
—IEEE Spectrum, 25 Aug. 2015
Understandably curious about just what the heck had happened, Spencer ran another test with the magnetron.
—Matt Blitz, Popular Mechanics, 24 Mar. 2023
Courtesy of The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations One of the research goodies offered by the British included a radio tube called the cavity magnetron.
—Jeremy Hsu, Discover Magazine, 16 Jan. 2018
In 1945, while standing near an active magnetron, a chocolate bar melted in his pocket — and a new idea was born.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2022
In 1945, Raytheon’s Percy Spencer stands in front of a magnetron (the power tube of radar) and feels a candy bar start to melt in his pocket: He is intrigued.
—Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 20 Oct. 2022
The magnetron emits electromagnetic waves in a continuous motion to generate enough energy to heat food, says Ali Manning, food scientist and consultant.
—Sarra Sedghi, Bon Appétit, 15 July 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magnetron.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
blend of magnet and -tron
First Known Use
1921, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near magnetron
Cite this Entry
“Magnetron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetron. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
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Medical Definition
magnetron
noun
mag·ne·tron
ˈmag-nə-ˌträn
: a diode vacuum tube in which the flow of electrons is controlled by an externally applied magnetic field to generate power at microwave frequencies
More from Merriam-Webster on magnetron
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about magnetron
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