Something about Percy Le BAron Spencer, the inventor of microwave oven

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  1. magnetron
    a diode vacuum tube in which the flow of electrons from a central cathode to a cylindrical anode is controlled by crossed magnetic and electric fields; used mainly in microwave oscillators
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  2. microwave oven
    a kitchen appliance used to heat and cook food
    He became known as the inventor of the microwave oven.
  3. radio signal
    a radio wave used to transmit and receive messages
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  4. chocolate bar
    a bar of chocolate candy
    In 1945, while standing in front of an operating magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
  5. punch out
    register one's departure from work
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  6. US Navy
    the navy of the United States of America
    For his work he was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award by the US Navy.
  7. microwave
    a kitchen appliance used to heat and cook food
    He became known as the inventor of the microwave oven.
  8. soldering
    fastening firmly together
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  9. wireless telegraphy
    telegraphy that uses transmission by radio rather than by wire
    Navy in 1912 to learn wireless telegraphy.
  10. solder
    join or fuse with an alloy
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  11. popcorn
    corn having small ears and kernels that burst when exposed to dry heat
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  12. telegraphy
    communicating at a distance by electric transmission over wire
    Navy in 1912 to learn wireless telegraphy.
  13. Spencer
    English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)
    Percy LeBaron Spencer (9 July, 1894 – 8 September, 1970) was an American engineer and inventor.
  14. 1920s
    the decade from 1920 to 1929
    He joined the Raytheon Company in the 1920s.
  15. oven
    kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting
    He became known as the inventor of the microwave oven.
  16. grammar school
    a school for young children; usually the first 6 or 8 grades
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  17. senior vice president
    the ranking vice president in a firm that has more than one
    He became Senior Vice President and a senior member of the Board of Directors at Raytheon.
  18. board of directors
    a group of persons chosen to govern the affairs of a corporation or other large institution
    He became Senior Vice President and a senior member of the Board of Directors at Raytheon.
  19. inventor
    someone who is the first to think of or make something
    Percy LeBaron Spencer (9 July, 1894 – 8 September, 1970) was an American engineer and inventor.
  20. stand out
    be highly noticeable
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  21. public service
    something that is done for the benefit of the public or its institutions
    For his work he was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award by the US Navy.
  22. award
    give, especially as an honor
    For his work he was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award by the US Navy.
  23. radar
    measuring instrument using pulses of microwave radiation
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  24. generate
    bring into existence
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  25. be born
    come into existence through birth
    Spencer was born in Howland, Maine.
  26. apprentice
    someone who works for an expert to learn a trade
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  27. patent
    a document granting an inventor sole rights to an invention
    (Note: He received US patent 2,495,429 out of his invention of the microwave oven.)
  28. turn up
    bend or lay so that one part covers the other
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  29. Navy
    the navy of the United States of America
    Navy in 1912 to learn wireless telegraphy.
  30. graduated
    marked with or divided into degrees
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  31. core
    the center of an object
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  32. melt
    reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state
    In 1945, while standing in front of an operating magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
  33. mechanism
    device consisting of a piece of machinery
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  34. wireless
    medium for communication
    Navy in 1912 to learn wireless telegraphy.
  35. chocolate
    a food made from roasted ground cacao beans
    In 1945, while standing in front of an operating magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
  36. mill
    a facility for manufacturing
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  37. graduate
    receive an academic degree upon completion of one's studies
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  38. grammar
    the branch of linguistics that deals with sentence structure
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  39. tested
    tested and proved to be reliable
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  40. live with
    tolerate or accommodate oneself to
    He lived with his aunt and uncle after that.
  41. operate
    perform as expected when applied
    In 1945, while standing in front of an operating magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
  42. Maine
    a state in New England
    Spencer was born in Howland, Maine.
  43. Percy
    English soldier killed in a rebellion against Henry IV
    Percy LeBaron Spencer (9 July, 1894 – 8 September, 1970) was an American engineer and inventor.
  44. beam
    a long thick piece of material used in construction
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  45. stand in
    be a substitute
    In 1945, while standing in front of an operating magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
  46. senior
    advanced in years
    He became Senior Vice President and a senior member of the Board of Directors at Raytheon.
  47. punch
    deliver a quick blow to
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  48. manufacture
    put together out of artificial or natural components
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  49. melted
    changed from a solid to a liquid state
    In 1945, while standing in front of an operating magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
  50. joining
    the act of bringing two things into contact
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  51. efficient
    being effective without wasting time, effort, or expense
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  52. vice president
    an executive officer ranking immediately below a president
    He became Senior Vice President and a senior member of the Board of Directors at Raytheon.
  53. operating
    involved in a kind of operation
    In 1945, while standing in front of an operating magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
  54. pop
    make a sharp explosive noise
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  55. invention
    the act of making something new
    (Note: He received US patent 2,495,429 out of his invention of the microwave oven.)
  56. distinguish
    mark as different
    For his work he was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award by the US Navy.
  57. engineer
    a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve problems
    Percy LeBaron Spencer (9 July, 1894 – 8 September, 1970) was an American engineer and inventor.
  58. Service
    Canadian writer who wrote about life in the Yukon Territory
    For his work he was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award by the US Navy.
  59. join
    cause to become joined or linked
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  60. develop
    progress or evolve through a process of natural growth
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  61. bar
    a rigid piece of metal or wood
    In 1945, while standing in front of an operating magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
  62. improvement
    the act of making something better
    His improvements were among those that increased magnetron production to 2,600 per day.
  63. in front
    at or in the front
    In 1945, while standing in front of an operating magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
  64. work in
    add by mixing or blending on or attaching
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  65. 300
    being one hundred more than two hundred
    He received 300 patents during his career at Raytheon; a building there is named after him.
  66. receive
    get something; come into possession of
    (Note: He received US patent 2,495,429 out of his invention of the microwave oven.)
  67. radio
    medium for communication
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  68. signal
    any action or gesture that encodes a message
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  69. observation
    the act of taking a patient look
    Development of the microwave oven grew out of these observations, and by 1947 a commercial oven was being sold by Raytheon.
  70. commercial
    connected with or engaged in the exchange of goods
    Development of the microwave oven grew out of these observations, and by 1947 a commercial oven was being sold by Raytheon.
  71. vice
    a specific form of evildoing
    He became Senior Vice President and a senior member of the Board of Directors at Raytheon.
  72. parts
    the local environment
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  73. standing
    status or reputation
    In 1945, while standing in front of an operating magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
  74. developed
    being changed over time, as to be stronger or more complete
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  75. all over
    over the entire area
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  76. machine
    a mechanical or electrical device that transmits energy
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  77. build
    make by combining materials and parts
    He received 300 patents during his career at Raytheon; a building there is named after him.
  78. test
    standardized procedure for measuring sensitivity or aptitude
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  79. distinguished
    standing above others in character or attainment
    For his work he was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award by the US Navy.
  80. pocket
    a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
    In 1945, while standing in front of an operating magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
  81. stand
    be standing; be upright
    In 1945, while standing in front of an operating magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
  82. director
    someone who manages an organization
    He became Senior Vice President and a senior member of the Board of Directors at Raytheon.
  83. September
    the month following August and preceding October
    Percy LeBaron Spencer (9 July, 1894 – 8 September, 1970) was an American engineer and inventor.
  84. production
    the act or process of making something
    His improvements were among those that increased magnetron production to 2,600 per day.
  85. front
    the side that is forward or prominent
    In 1945, while standing in front of an operating magnetron, a chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
  86. using
    an act that exploits or victimizes someone
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  87. career
    the particular occupation for which you are trained
    He received 300 patents during his career at Raytheon; a building there is named after him.
  88. marry
    become someone's spouse
    Spencer was married and had three children, James, John, and George.
  89. joined
    connected by a link, as railway cars or trailer trucks
    He joined the Raytheon Company in the 1920s.
  90. sold
    disposed of to a purchaser
    Development of the microwave oven grew out of these observations, and by 1947 a commercial oven was being sold by Raytheon.
  91. grow
    increase in size by natural process
    Development of the microwave oven grew out of these observations, and by 1947 a commercial oven was being sold by Raytheon.
  92. increased
    made greater in size or amount or degree
    His improvements were among those that increased magnetron production to 2,600 per day.
  93. increase
    a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous
    His improvements were among those that increased magnetron production to 2,600 per day.
  94. development
    a process in which something passes to a different stage
    Development of the microwave oven grew out of these observations, and by 1947 a commercial oven was being sold by Raytheon.
  95. received
    widely accepted as true or worthy
    (Note: He received US patent 2,495,429 out of his invention of the microwave oven.)
  96. member
    anything that belongs to a set or class
    He became Senior Vice President and a senior member of the Board of Directors at Raytheon.
  97. surely
    definitely or positively
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  98. born
    brought into existence
    Spencer was born in Howland, Maine.
  99. aunt
    a parent's sister; the wife of a parent's sibling
    He lived with his aunt and uncle after that.
  100. July
    the month following June and preceding August
    Percy LeBaron Spencer (9 July, 1894 – 8 September, 1970) was an American engineer and inventor.
  101. become
    come into existence
    He became known as the inventor of the microwave oven.
  102. turning
    a movement in a new direction
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  103. learn
    gain knowledge or skills
    Navy in 1912 to learn wireless telegraphy.
  104. building
    the act of constructing something
    He received 300 patents during his career at Raytheon; a building there is named after him.
  105. working
    a mine or quarry that is being or has been worked
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  106. out of
    motivated by
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  107. married
    joined in matrimony
    Spencer was married and had three children, James, John, and George.
  108. rate
    a quantity considered as a proportion of another quantity
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  109. uncle
    the brother of your father or mother
    He lived with his aunt and uncle after that.
  110. quickly
    with little or no delay
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  111. work
    activity directed toward making or doing something
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  112. James
    disciple of Jesus
    Spencer was married and had three children, James, John, and George.
  113. die
    lose all bodily functions necessary to sustain life
    His father died in 1897, and his mother left him a short time later.
  114. used to
    in the habit
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  115. use
    put into service
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  116. President
    the person who holds the office of head of state of the United States government
    He became Senior Vice President and a senior member of the Board of Directors at Raytheon.
  117. board
    a stout length of sawn timber
    He became Senior Vice President and a senior member of the Board of Directors at Raytheon.
  118. go to
    be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  119. note
    a brief written record
    (Note: He received US patent 2,495,429 out of his invention of the microwave oven.)
  120. George
    King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760 to 1820
    Spencer was married and had three children, James, John, and George.
  121. day
    time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  122. part
    one of the portions into which something is regarded as divided and which together constitute a whole
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  123. late
    at or toward an end or late period or stage of development
    His father died in 1897, and his mother left him a short time later.
  124. school
    an educational institution
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  125. age
    how long something has existed
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  126. John
    disciple of Jesus
    Spencer was married and had three children, James, John, and George.
  127. turn
    move around an axis or a center
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  128. live
    have life, be alive
    He lived with his aunt and uncle after that.
  129. father
    a male parent
    His father died in 1897, and his mother left him a short time later.
  130. short
    having little length or lacking in length
    His father died in 1897, and his mother left him a short time later.
  131. American
    of or relating to the United States of America or its people or language or culture
    Percy LeBaron Spencer (9 July, 1894 – 8 September, 1970) was an American engineer and inventor.
  132. U.S.
    North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
    He never graduated from grammar school, but went to work in a mill as an apprentice at age 12, before joining the U.S.
  133. later
    happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
    His father died in 1897, and his mother left him a short time later.
  134. out
    moving or appearing to move away from a place, especially one that is enclosed or hidden
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  135. child
    a human offspring (son or daughter) of any age
    Spencer was married and had three children, James, John, and George.
  136. public
    not private
    For his work he was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award by the US Navy.
  137. company
    an institution created to conduct business
    He joined the Raytheon Company in the 1920s.
  138. while
    a period of indeterminate length marked by some action
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  139. known
    apprehended with certainty
    He became known as the inventor of the microwave oven.
  140. being
    the state or fact of existing
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  141. together
    in contact with each other or in proximity
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  142. used
    previously owned by another
    In 1941, magnetrons, which were used to generate the microwave radio signals that are the core mechanism of radar, were being made at the rate of 17 per day at Raytheon.
  143. rather
    more readily or willingly
    While working there, Spencer developed a more efficient way to manufacture them, by punching out and soldering together magnetron parts, rather than using machined parts.
  144. power
    possession of the qualities required to do something
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  145. room
    an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
    He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron (surely turning up the power and standing out of the beam), and it quickly popped all over the room.
  146. mother
    a woman who has given birth to a child
    His father died in 1897, and his mother left him a short time later.
  147. name
    a language unit by which a person or thing is known
    He received 300 patents during his career at Raytheon; a building there is named after him.
  148. after
    happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
    He lived with his aunt and uncle after that.
  149. left
    being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the west when facing north
    His father died in 1897, and his mother left him a short time later.
Created on Mon Dec 05 08:44:10 EST 2011

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