The term 'USES THE MICROWAVE' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: 'ZAPS' (4 letters) and 'HEATS' (5 letters). A microwave is an electrical appliance used to heat and cook food quickly. It works by using electromagnetic radiation to heat the molecules in food, which causes them to vibrate and generate heat. The term 'ZAPS' refers to the microwave's ability to quickly cook food, while the term 'HEATS' refers to its ability to heat food.