dose

¹dose

noun \ˈdōs\

Definition of DOSE

1

a : the measured quantity of a therapeutic agent to be taken at one time

b : the quantity of radiation administered or absorbed

2

: a portion of a substance added during a process

3

: an amount of something likened to a prescribed or measured quantity of medicine <a daily dose of hard work> <a dose of scandal>

4

: a gonorrheal infection

Examples of DOSE

1. I've been taking the same dose for five years.
2. a large dose of vitamin C
3. The drug is lethal even in small doses.
4. a large dose of sugar
5. a high dose of radiation
6. Her parents hoped a daily dose of hard work would keep her out of trouble.
7. He needs a good dose of reality.

Origin of DOSE

Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin dosis, from Greek, literally, act of giving, from didonai to give — more at date

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Pharmacology Terms

anodyne, cathartic, emetic, emollient, liniment, paregoric, poultice, purgative, soporific, spectrum

Rhymes with DOSE

Bose, close, gross, os

²dose

transitive verb

doseddos·ing

Definition of DOSE

1

: to give a dose to; especially : to give medicine to

2

: to divide (as a medicine) into doses

3

: to treat with an application or agent

Examples of DOSE

1. Most patients are dosed at 50 milligrams per day.

First Known Use of DOSE

1654

Other Pharmacology Terms

anodyne, cathartic, emetic, emollient, liniment, paregoric, poultice, purgative, soporific, spectrum