Nuke vs. Microwave — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 30, 2024
Nuke commonly refers to using nuclear weapons or atomic bombs, while microwave is a method to heat food using electromagnetic waves.
Difference Between Nuke and Microwave
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Nuke is a colloquial term often used to describe the deployment of nuclear weapons, capable of causing massive destruction and radiation. On the other hand, microwave refers to a household appliance that uses microwave radiation to heat or cook food quickly and efficiently.
While nuking in its literal sense involves atomic reactions to release vast amounts of energy destructively, microwaving is about exciting water molecules in food to raise its temperature.
Whereas nuking has military and geopolitical implications, microwaving is primarily associated with food preparation and convenience in domestic kitchens.
Nuke, as a verb, can also mean to destroy or obliterate completely in informal contexts, whereas microwaving is synonymous with reheating or cooking in everyday language. Despite their vastly different applications, both terms metaphorically imply an action of intense and rapid effect.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Use of nuclear weapons or to destroy completely
Appliance using electromagnetic waves to cook
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Primary Use
Military and weaponry
Domestic kitchens
Energy Source
Nuclear reactions
Electric power
Common Context
War, destruction
Cooking, reheating food
Colloquial Usage
Destroying completely
Heating or cooking quickly
Compare with Definitions
Nuke
To destroy or demolish thoroughly.
The old building was nuked to make way for new development.
Microwave
The action of exposing something to microwave radiation.
We microwave the samples to observe the effects.
Nuke
Informal use to indicate severe damage or defeat.
Our team got nuked in the final game.
Microwave
To cook food quickly using a microwave oven.
Microwave the vegetables for five minutes.
Nuke
To subject to intense radiation or heat.
The materials were nuked in the lab to test their durability.
Microwave
To reheat food using a microwave oven.
I'll just microwave the leftovers from yesterday.
Nuke
To cook or heat something very quickly.
Just nuke the leftovers for dinner.
Microwave
The use of microwaves for rapid food heating.
Microwave cooking is perfect for busy lifestyles.
Nuke
A nuclear weapon.
Microwave
A kitchen appliance that heats food using microwaves.
I put the popcorn in the microwave.
Nuke
Attack or destroy with nuclear weapons.
Microwave
Microwave is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from about one meter to one millimeter corresponding to frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHz respectively. Different sources define different frequency ranges as microwaves; the above broad definition includes both UHF and EHF (millimeter wave) bands.
Nuke
A nuclear device or weapon.
Microwave
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
Microwave radiation
Nuke
A nuclear-powered electric generating plant.
Microwave
Cook (food) in a microwave oven
He microwaved some steak out of the freezer
Nuke
To attack with nuclear weapons.
Microwave
Relating to or being electromagnetic radiation between radio waves and infrared waves in the electromagnetic spectrum, having frequencies between 300 megahertz and 300 gigahertz and wavelengths between 1 meter and 1 millimeter.
Nuke
To heat in a microwave oven
"I obtained this soup by nuking one cup of water and mixing that with ... bouillon" (Judy Markey).
Microwave
A wave of microwave radiation.
Nuke
A nuclear weapon.
Microwave
A microwave oven.
Nuke
(by extension) Something that destroys or negates, especially on a catastrophic scale.
Microwave
To cook or heat (food) in a microwave oven.
Nuke
A nuclear power station.
Microwave
An electromagnetic wave with wavelength between that of infrared light and radio waves.
Radio band
Nuke
(nautical) A vessel such as a ship or submarine running on nuclear power.
Microwave
Ellipsis of microwave oven
Just put it in the microwave for 30 seconds and it's ready to eat.
Nuke
A person (such as a sailor in a navy or a scientist) who works with nuclear weapons or nuclear power.
Microwave
(transitive) To cook (something) in a microwave oven.
Nuke
(warez) A cautionary flag placed on a release to label it as "bad" for some reason or another (e.g., being a dupe of a previous release or containing malware).
Microwave
To provide minimal preparation for implementation, deeming full or extensive preparation as unnecessary.
Nuke
(rare) A microwave oven.
Just put it in the nuke for two minutes and it will be ready to eat.
Microwave
A short electromagnetic wave (longer than infrared but shorter than radio waves); used for radar and microwave ovens and for transmitting telephone, facsimile, video and data
Nuke
Alternative spelling of nuc
Microwave
Kitchen appliance that cooks food by passing an electromagnetic wave through it; heat is produced by the absorption of microwave energy by the water molecules in the food
Nuke
Senseid|en|anatomy}}{{alternative form of nucha
Microwave
Cook or heat in a microwave oven;
You can microwave the left-overs
Nuke
Alternative form of nook
Nuke
To use a nuclear weapon on a target.
If a nuclear war ever breaks out, military facilities are likely to be nuked first.
Nuke
To destroy or erase completely.
To try to hide his posting history on Usenet, he had his posts nuked from the Google archives.
Nuke
(Wikimedia Commons jargon) To completely delete all uploads of a user, usually due to copyright violations or vandalism.
Nuke
To carry out a denial-of-service attack against (an IRC user).
Nuke
To expose to some form of radiation.
Nuke
To cook in a microwave oven.
I’ll nuke some pizza for dinner.
Nuke
To flag a release as bad for some reason or another (for instance, due to being a duplicate of an earlier release or containing malware).
Nuke
To overanalyze or despair unduly over something.
Nuke
The warhead of a missile designed to deliver an atom bomb
Nuke
Strike at with firepower or bombs;
Zap the enemy
Nuke
Bomb with atomic weapons
Common Curiosities
What is the main function of a microwave oven?
The main function of a microwave oven is to cook or heat food using electromagnetic radiation.
What does "nuke" mean in a military context?
In a military context, "nuke" refers to the use of a nuclear bomb or missile.
Can microwaves be used for things other than cooking?
Yes, microwaves can be used for sterilizing, drying materials, and even scientific research.
Can "nuke" be used in everyday language?
Yes, "nuke" can be used informally to mean destroy or heat something rapidly.
Is microwaving food safe?
Yes, microwaving food is safe as long as the oven is used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Can microwaves interfere with other electronic devices?
Modern microwaves are well-shielded, but poorly shielded or faulty units could theoretically interfere with other electronics.
How does a microwave oven work?
A microwave oven works by emitting microwaves that excite water molecules in food, causing them to heat up and cook the food.
What are the environmental impacts of using nuclear weapons (nuking)?
The environmental impact includes long-term radiation hazards, destruction of ecosystems, and climate change effects.
How long does it typically take to microwave a meal?
It typically takes a few minutes to microwave a meal, depending on the food type and power setting of the microwave.
What is the difference between microwaving and nuking food?
Microwaving refers to cooking or reheating food using a microwave oven, whereas nuking food is an informal way to describe heating it very quickly, often implying excessive heat.
How does the intensity of microwaving compare to other cooking methods?
Microwaving can be more intense and quicker than other cooking methods, especially for heating small quantities of food.
Are there any health risks associated with eating microwaved food?
There are no inherent health risks from eating microwaved food; the risks are similar to those of other cooking methods.
What does "nuke" mean in video gaming?
In video gaming, "nuke" refers to a powerful attack that can destroy large numbers of enemies or cause extensive damage.
Is it better to microwave or cook on a stove?
The choice between microwaving and cooking on a stove depends on the food, time available, and personal preference for taste and texture.
What are the historical uses of nuclear weapons?
Historically, nuclear weapons have been used in warfare, specifically during World War II, and as deterrents during the Cold War.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
