C1noun2K

Dose

UK /["/dəʊs/"]/US /["/dəʊs/"]/

Definition

an amount of a medicine or a drug that is taken once, or regularly over a period of time

In simple words: A small amount of medicine taken at one time.

Examples

  • The doctor prescribed a low dose of the medication to start treatment.
  • She took a double dose of vitamins this morning to boost her immune system.
  • An overdose of this drug can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
  • Each dose of the vaccine is administered with a syringe at the clinic.
  • The patient received a second dose for better efficacy.
  • A proper dose is essential to ensure the treatment works without side effects.

Usage notes

Used primarily in medical contexts to describe the amount of medication. Less common in informal speech. Be careful using it outside of health-related conversations.

Grammar pattern

dose + of + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'dose' as 'do's' of medicine — remember the correct amount.

Collocations

  • high
  • large
  • massive
  • get
  • receive
  • take

Synonyms

  • amount
  • portion
  • portioning
  • medication amount
  • medicinal dose

Antonyms

  • absence
  • lack
  • deficiency

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'dose' vs 'dosage'.
  • Using 'dose' for non-medical amounts.
  • Incorrectly pluralizing 'dose' as 'doses' when referring to a specific amount.