dosage
DOH-sij
/ˈdoʊsɪdʒ/
The specific amount and frequency of a medicine or drug to be administered over a given period.
Unlike a single 'dose' (one specific quantity taken at one time), 'dosage' implies an overall regimen including amount, frequency, and duration.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'dosis', meaning 'a giving' or 'that which is given', from 'didonai' (to give). In ancient Greek medical manuscripts, 'dosis' meant the exact portion of medicine given to a patient at one moment.
Word relationships
- dosing schedule: Dosing schedule explicitly emphasizes the time intervals alongside the quantity.
Commonly confused with
- dose: A dose is a single measured portion of medicine taken at one time, while dosage refers to the overall regulated schedule and quantity.
Word family
- dose (noun): A single quantity of medicine taken at one time.
- dose (verb): To administer a dose of medicine to someone.
Collocations
- recommended dosage
- dosage instructions
- adjust the dosage
- lethal dosage
- daily dosage
Example sentences
- "The pediatrician adjusted the daily dosage based on the child's body weight and kidney function." Clinical Instruction
- "Always adhere strictly to the recommended dosage specified on the container." Prescription Label
Memory hook
DOSE + AGE: over the AGE of treatment, you follow a set DOSAGE. Dose is one gift of medicine; dosage is the whole schedule.
When not to use
Do not use 'dosage' when referring to a single, isolated measurement taken once; use 'dose' instead.
Fun facts
- In medieval Europe, apothecaries measured doses using apothecary weights like scruples and drams, which led to modern standardized metric dosage systems.
Explore more words
prescribe, duration, efficacy, daily, prophylactic, continually
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