Bowman recently took over as the sole host of the afternoon show

The presenter, 31, had asked listeners to write in to her afternoon show with examples of slang and catchphrases.

One email suggested using the phrase Pearl Harbor to refer to cold weather, and used the word "nip" - a derogatory term for Japanese people.

Radio 1 said Bowman had "read this particular term out in error" and that "no offence was intended".

A spokeswoman added that the station had received no complaints about the incident.

'Not aware'

Bowman's apology came half an hour after the email was read out.

"Sometimes people say things that might be a derogatory term, but if you're not aware of it you don't know," she said.

"Apologies if there's been anything that's offended anyone this afternoon."

Chris Moyles's breakfast show has been censured by Ofcom

Earlier this year, broadcasting watchdog Ofcom said it was concerned about the number of times Radio 1 had breached broadcasting guidelines.

It upheld two complaints against breakfast show host Chris Moyles for using a derogatory term about women and accidentally swearing at a listener during a live phone call.

The breakfast show was censured for a third time when it allowed a guest to swear during an interview.

Following the ruling, Radio 1 said it was introducing fines for DJs who used offensive language on air.