Dosage Meaning and Definition
Dosage
Pronunciation
/ˈdoʊsɪdʒ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A specific quantity of a medicine or other substance intended to be taken or administered at one time, typically measured in terms of weight or volume.
Examples
- The doctor gave the patient a dosage of medication to take twice a day.
- The recipe called for a specific dosage of spices to achieve the desired flavor.
Synonyms
- Amount
- Quantity
- Measure
Antonyms
- None
Etymology
The word “dosage” comes from the Latin “dosare,” meaning “to give a dose.” It has been used in English since the 15th century.
Additional Information
Dosage refers to the amount of a substance that is intended to be taken or administered at one time. It is an important consideration in the field of medicine, as it can affect the efficacy and safety of a treatment. Dosage amounts can vary widely depending on the substance, the patient, and the intended use. In general, dosage instructions should be followed carefully to ensure safe and effective use of a medication or substance.
Usage Notes
Dosage is often used in medical and scientific contexts, but it can also be used in everyday conversation to refer to the amount of something that is intended to be consumed or used. For example, “I need to check the dosage on this medication” or “I’m not sure what dosage of fertilizer to use on my plants.”
Cultural References
The concept of dosage has been featured in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and literature. For example, the movie “The Matrix” features a character who is given a dosage of a fictional medication to help him navigate the virtual world.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Dosage is often used in idiomatic expressions or phrases, such as “take it with a grain of salt” or “a pinch is worth a pound.” These expressions use dosage as a metaphor for the idea that small amounts can have a significant impact.
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases that are closely related to dosage in meaning or usage include “amount,” “quantity,” “measure,” and “dose.”
Collocations
Common word combinations with dosage include “dosage instructions,” “dosage amount,” and “dosage schedule.”
Frequency of Use
Dosage is a relatively rare word in everyday conversation, but it is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, dosage appears in approximately 1.5 out of every 1 million words in the database.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of dosage include “dosidge,” “dosidge,” and “dosagee.”