dosage
dosage Lexical Profile
dosage Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The size, frequency, or regimen of a dose of medicine, drug, or radiation prescribed for or administered to a patient.
"The physician gradually adjusted the patient's daily dosage to minimize unwanted side effects."
The administration of a substance in measured amounts, or the addition of a measured ingredient during a manufacturing process (such as adding sugar and wine to champagne before corking).
"In traditional sparkling wine production, the final dosage determines whether the champagne will be bone-dry or sweet."
Word Nuance & Usage
While often used interchangeably in everyday speech, 'dose' strictly refers to the specific amount of a substance taken at one single time, whereas 'dosage' refers to the overall regimen—including the size, frequency, and duration of the doses.
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 19th century from the English noun 'dose' plus the suffix '-age', or borrowed directly from French 'dosage'; ultimately tracing back to Ancient Greek 'dosis', meaning 'a giving' or 'a portion prescribed'.