Dosage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dosage
[หdoสsษชdส ]
Definitions
medical
The amount of a medicine or drug that should be taken at one time or regularly during a period of time.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dosage |
Used in medical settings to specify a prescribed amount of medicine to be taken at a specific time or frequency.
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| dose |
Refers to a specific quantity of medication to be taken at one time, often used interchangeably with 'dosage' but more commonly refers to a single administration.
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| amount |
A general term to describe quantity or volume, used in a variety of contexts including but not limited to medication.
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| prescription |
A formal medical order for medication that a doctor writes for a patient, often required to obtain certain medications from a pharmacy.
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Examples of usage
- Please follow the recommended dosage of this medication.
- The dosage for children is different than for adults.
- She forgot to take her dosage this morning.
general
The amount of a substance that is needed to produce a particular effect.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dosage |
Used mainly in medical or pharmaceutical settings to refer to the prescribed amount of a medication or treatment.
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| quantity |
A general term used across many contexts to indicate an amount or number of something.
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| portion |
Typically used in the context of food to indicate a serving size but can also refer to parts of a whole in other contexts.
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| measure |
Can be used in various contexts where quantifying or evaluating an amount is required.
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Examples of usage
- A small dosage of caffeine can boost your energy levels.
- The correct dosage of fertilizer is crucial for plant growth.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Dosage affects how effective a medication is; too little may not help, while too much can cause harm.
- Different age groups (like children vs. adults) often require different dosages due to body size and metabolism.
- The concept of dosage is crucial in developing medications, as scientists calculate the safest and most effective amounts.
Health and Safety
- Mistakes in dosage can lead to serious health risks, which is why clear labels and instructions are important.
- Dosage forms can vary widely โ from pills to liquids to patches, each designed for different needs.
- Health professionals use dosage calculations to ensure patients receive proper treatment based on their specific conditions.
Cultural Significance
- In certain cultures, traditional remedies often have specific dosages based on generations of knowledge.
- Historical texts reveal ancient practices in herbal medicine with strict dosing rules to avoid toxicity.
- Movies and literature sometimes portray overdoses dramatically, emphasizing the importance of respect for medication.
Psychology
- People's perceptions of medication can influence adherence to dosage guidelines, affecting treatment success.
- Anxiety about dosage can lead to patients either under-taking or over-taking their medication, causing health issues.
- The placebo effect can diminish when dosage isnโt clearly understood, impacting overall treatment outcomes.
Origin of 'dosage'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'dosare,' meaning 'to divide or allot.'
- It entered the English language in the late 19th century, reflecting the growing field of medicine.
- Earlier forms were often associated with measuring out rations or portions in various contexts.
The word 'dosage' originated from the French word 'dosage' in the early 19th century. It is derived from the Old French word 'dose', meaning 'a portion prescribed'. The concept of dosage has been crucial in the field of medicine for determining the correct amount of medication to be administered. Over time, the term has also been used in a broader sense to refer to the amount of any substance needed to achieve a specific effect.