dose

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

English: /doʊs/

Phonetic: [dohs]

Definitions

1. Noun: A measured quantity of a substance, especially a medicine or drug.
2. Verb: To administer or take a particular quantity of a substance, especially a drug.

Usage Examples

• "The doctor prescribed a dose of 10 milligrams of the medicine."
• "He took a dose of the medicine every morning before breakfast."
• "The nurse carefully dosed the patient with the required medication."

Etymology

From Latin "dosis," meaning "a giving," derived from "didonai," meaning "to give." The word "dose" first appeared in English in the early 18th century, used in medical contexts to refer to a specific amount of medicine.

Synonyms

• Amount
• Quantity
• Serving
• Portion
• Measure

Antonyms

• Excess
• Overdose
• Underuse

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: [dəʊs]
• American English: [doʊs]
• Australian English: [dohs]

Historical Usage

The term "dose" has been used in English since the 16th century, originating from the Latin word "dosis." The word initially referred to the prescribed quantity of a drug, and its use expanded in the 18th century to include more general meanings of "quantity" or "measure" of substances. Over time, "dose" has remained a central concept in medicine, especially in pharmacology, where accurate dosing is essential to effective treatment and patient safety.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, especially those using traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of "dose" extends beyond just medicine. Dosage is tailored not only based on the type of substance used but also on the individual’s health, age, and even emotional state. In contrast, Western medicine typically bases dosage on scientific research, with standardized amounts recommended for various conditions and patient demographics.

More Information

The concept of "dose" plays a vital role in modern pharmacology, where precise measurement is essential. Both overdosage and underdosage can have serious consequences. Overdose can lead to toxicity or even death, while underdosage may result in ineffectiveness, prolonging the illness. The practice of administering the correct dose has expanded from basic pill dosages to include other forms of medicine, such as injections, topical treatments, and even therapies like radiation. In addition to medical contexts, "dose" is now commonly used in everyday language to refer to an amount or portion of any substance or experience (e.g., "a dose of laughter").