Dose

Definition

Dose refers to a specific quantity of a substance, typically a medicine or drug, administered at one time or at regular intervals. It can also refer to the measured amount of exposure to radiation or another influence.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /doʊs/
• Respelling: dohs

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dəʊs/
• Respelling: dohs

The pronunciation of "dose" is consistent in both American and British English, with only slight variations in accent.

Etymology

The word "dose" originates from the Greek word "dosis," meaning "a giving," which comes from "didonai," meaning "to give." It entered the English language through Late Latin "dosis" in the Middle Ages and was used primarily in the context of medicine.

Derivatives

• Dosage (noun)
• Dosing (verb/noun)
• Overdose (noun/verb)
• Underdose (noun/verb)
• Dosed (adjective)

Synonyms

• Amount
• Portion
• Measure

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "dose" is frequently used in medical contexts to describe the amount of a medication or drug taken at one time. It can also be applied to exposure to radiation or other substances. In non-medical contexts, it may be used figuratively to refer to a portion of something, such as a dose of reality or a dose of humor.

Related Terms

• Dosage: The regulated administration of doses of a drug or medicine.
• Administration: The act of giving a drug or treatment to a patient.
• Injection: A method of delivering a dose of medication directly into the body.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A specific amount of a substance, especially a drug, taken at one time: Refers to the quantity of medication or other substance administered or consumed.
  • Example: "The doctor prescribed a daily dose of antibiotics."
• An amount of radiation or exposure: Refers to the measured amount of exposure to radiation or another influence.
  • Example: "The workers were monitored for their dose of radiation."

Verb

• To administer a dose of a substance, especially medication: Refers to the act of giving a measured amount of a drug or medicine.
  • Example: "The nurse dosed the patient with pain relievers."
• To add a dose of something to: Refers to mixing or introducing a substance in measured amounts.
  • Example: "The water was dosed with chemicals to make it safe to drink."