Definition of Dose: In a medical context, a dose refers to a specific amount of a medication or drug prescribed to be taken at one time or at regular intervals. The correct dosage is crucial for the effectiveness of the medicine and to avoid potential side effects or overdose. Dose can also refer to an amount of radiation received or a substance’s amount in any context.
Etymology and Origin: The term ‘dose’ originates from the late Middle English, borrowed from the Middle French ‘dose’, which came from the Greek ‘dosis’ meaning ‘a giving, gift’. The Greek term is derived from ‘didonai’, meaning ‘to give’. In medicine, the concept of a dose as a precise measure of medication has been fundamental since ancient times, evolving with advances in pharmacology and medical science.
