Dose: meaning, definitions and examples

Used primarily in medical or pharmacological situations to refer to a specific amount of medicine or drug to be taken at one time.

• Make sure to take the correct dose of your medication to avoid side effects.
• The doctor prescribed a higher dose of antibiotics.

Typically used in formal or technical contexts to refer to a precise or specific number or amount of something, which can often be counted.

• The quantity of ingredients required is listed in the recipe.
• There is a limited quantity of tickets available for the concert.

Commonly used in everyday situations to refer to a total quantity or number of something that is not countable.

• Please add the right amount of sugar to the coffee.
• She spent a large amount of money on clothes.

Used in contexts where an exact size, amount, or degree of something needs to be determined, often using instruments or tools.

• Use a ruler to measure the length of the table.
• We need to measure the room before buying new furniture.

Typically used in medical or pharmaceutical settings to refer to the amount of medication or substance that should be taken at one time.

• The doctor prescribed a daily dose of 500 milligrams.

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.

• The scientist measured the lethal amount of the toxin in the lab.

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.

• Ingesting even a small fatal quantity of this substance can be life-threatening.

Use 'dose' again to talk about a particular quantity of medicine, especially in informal settings.

• I forgot to take my dose this morning
• She needs her daily dose of vitamins

Use this word in formal or medical situations when describing the act of giving a medication or treatment.

• The nurse will administer the vaccine to the patients
• The medication was administered intravenously

This word is used in general contexts when talking about handing or providing someone with medication or treatment.

• Can you give her the medicine at lunchtime? The teacher gave each student a vitamin pill

Use this word when a doctor or a qualified professional officially recommends a specific medication or treatment to a patient.

• The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the infection
• He was prescribed painkillers after the surgery