Definition

1. Noun:
   • A measured amount of a medicine or drug to be taken at one time or over a specified period: The term "dosage" refers to the specific quantity of a therapeutic agent, such as a medication, prescribed to be taken at a single instance or according to a schedule.
   • The amount of radiation or an active substance absorbed or administered: In broader scientific contexts, "dosage" can also denote the quantity of any active agent (like radiation, a vitamin, or a chemical) that is taken in or received.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed a lower dosage of the antibiotic for the child. (The doctor prescribed a smaller measured amount of the antibiotic for the child.)
  • Always follow the recommended dosage on the medicine label. (Always adhere to the advised measured portion indicated on the medicine label.)
  • The technician carefully calculated the radiation dosage for the treatment. (The technician carefully computed the amount of radiation for the treatment.)

Advanced Usage

• "Dosage regimen": A structured schedule outlining the timing and size of doses.
  • The new drug requires a complex dosage regimen, with different amounts taken in the morning and evening.
• "Therapeutic dosage": The amount of a drug needed to produce the desired healing effect.
  • It may take a few days to reach a therapeutic dosage in your bloodstream.

Variants and Related Words

• Dose (noun/verb): A measured quantity of medicine; to administer a dose. ("Dose" is often used interchangeably with "dosage," though "dosage" more frequently implies a regulated regimen.)
  • He took a single dose of painkiller.
• Dosimetry (noun): The measurement and calculation of radiation doses.
  • Dosimetry is a critical field in radiology and cancer treatment.

Synonyms

• Dose: A quantity of medicine taken at one time.
• Measure: A specific quantity of something.
• Portion: A part or share of a whole, especially when allocated.

Related Phrases

• "Adjust the dosage": To change the prescribed amount.
  • The doctor may adjust the dosage based on your blood test results.
• "Exceed the recommended dosage": To take more than the advised amount.
  • It is dangerous to exceed the recommended dosage of this medication.

Related Idioms

• "A hard dose of reality": (Figurative, using "dose") A harsh experience that makes someone face the truth. (Note: This idiom uses the related word "dose," not "dosage.")
  • Losing the job was a hard dose of reality for him.

Noun

1. a measured portion of medicine taken at any one time
2. the quantity of an active agent (substance or radiation) taken in or absorbed at any one time