■ noun
1》 a quantity of a medicine or drug taken at one time.
↘an amount of ionizing radiation received or absorbed at one time.
2》 informal a quantity of something necessary but unpleasant.
3》 informal a venereal infection.
■ verb
1》 administer a ~ to.
2》 adulterate or blend (a substance) with another.
Phrases
like a ~ of salts Brit. informal very fast and efficiently. [from the use of Epsom salts as a laxative.]
Origin
ME: from Fr., via late L. from Gk dosis 'gift', from didonai 'give'.