Dose Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dose
[dəʊs ]
Definitions
medical
A specified quantity of a medicine or drug taken at one time.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dose |
Used primarily in medical or pharmacological situations to refer to a specific amount of medicine or drug to be taken at one time.
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| quantity |
Typically used in formal or technical contexts to refer to a precise or specific number or amount of something, which can often be counted.
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| amount |
Commonly used in everyday situations to refer to a total quantity or number of something that is not countable.
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| measure |
Used in contexts where an exact size, amount, or degree of something needs to be determined, often using instruments or tools.
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Examples of usage
- Take one dose of this medication every 4 hours.
- The doctor prescribed a high dose of antibiotics.
drug use
A lethal quantity of a poisonous substance.
Synonyms
fatal quantity, lethal amount.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dose |
Typically used in medical or pharmaceutical settings to refer to the amount of medication or substance that should be taken at one time.
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| lethal amount |
Similar to 'fatal quantity', this term refers to the amount of a substance that can cause death. It is often used in scientific studies and discussions about toxicity.
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| fatal quantity |
Used to describe a specific amount of a harmful substance that can cause death. This term has a negative connotation and usually appears in discussions about poisons or drugs.
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Examples of usage
- The victim ingested a fatal dose of cyanide.
- Be careful not to overdose on this medication.
administering medicine
To give a specified amount of a medicine or drug to someone.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dose |
Use 'dose' again to talk about a particular quantity of medicine, especially in informal settings.
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| administer |
Use this word in formal or medical situations when describing the act of giving a medication or treatment.
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| give |
This word is used in general contexts when talking about handing or providing someone with medication or treatment.
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| prescribe |
Use this word when a doctor or a qualified professional officially recommends a specific medication or treatment to a patient.
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Examples of usage
- The nurse will dose you with pain medication.
- Make sure to dose the patient correctly.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In pharmacology, how a drug works can depend significantly on the dose given.
- Overdosing can lead to serious health effects, while underdosing may not provide the intended benefit.
- Different people's bodies may require different doses, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine.
Psychology
- The concept of a 'dose' can also refer to behavioral interventions, where a 'dose' can be the specific amount of therapy or support someone receives.
- Psychotropic drugs, which affect mood and behavior, can have widely varying 'doses' for different individuals based on sensitivity.
Pop Culture
- The term has made its way into music and film, with songs and films focusing on love or experiences that can be seen as a metaphorical 'dose' of emotions.
- Popular phrases like 'a dose of reality' imply a necessity for a true or sobering experience.
Literature
- Classical literature often uses 'dose' to describe quantity, particularly in relation to life's challenges and blessings.
- In modern writing, fictional characters might refer to a 'dose of adventure' when embarking on significant life-changing journeys.
Origin of 'dose'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'dosis', which means 'a giving'.
- It entered the English language during the 14th century primarily used in medical contexts.
- The use of 'dose' to refer to a specific quantity became more common around the 19th century.
The word 'dose' originated from the Middle French word 'dose', which meant 'a portion of medicine.' It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. The concept of dosing medication has been a crucial part of medical practices throughout history, evolving with advancements in pharmacology and healthcare. The term 'dose' is now widely recognized and used in the context of medicine, drugs, and toxic substances.
See also: do, doable, outdo, outdoable, overdo, overdoing, redo, undo, undoable.