magnetron

noun

mag·​ne·​tron ˈmag-nə-ˌträn How to pronounce magnetron (audio)
: 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 Allison Marsh The technology at the heart of the microwave oven is the cavity magnetron, developed during World War II for radar detection. IEEE Spectrum, 30 Dec. 2022 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnetron was in 1921

Dictionary Entries Near magnetron

Cite this Entry

“Magnetron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetron. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

magnetron

noun
mag·​ne·​tron ˈmag-nə-ˌträn How to pronounce magnetron (audio)
: 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

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