K ration

noun

ˈkā-

: a packaged ration of emergency foods developed for the U.S. armed forces in World War II

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of C ration, but taken as initial of Ancel B. Keys †2004 American physiologist

First Known Use

circa 1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of K ration was circa 1940

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Browse Nearby Words

krater

K ration

kratochvilite

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Cite this Entry

Style

“K ration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/K%20ration. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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