microdose

[ mahy-kroh-dohs ]

noun

1. a very small amount of a drug or medicine; a fraction of what is normally used or prescribed.

verb (used without object)

1. to take or administer very small amounts of a psychoactive drug: To increase his productivity, he microdoses with mushrooms twice a week.

   They microdosed together while on a camping trip.

   To increase his productivity, he microdoses with mushrooms twice a week.

verb (used with object)

1. to administer a very small amount of a medicine or drug to:

   Another study microdosed the same rats with psilocin.

2. to take, administer, or prepare (a medicine or drug) in very small amounts: A microdosed formulation of lithium has been developed.

   Two doctors discouraged her from microdosing LSD to relieve her depression.

   A microdosed formulation of lithium has been developed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microdose¹

First recorded in 1950–55 for the noun; micro- ( def ) + dose ( def )

Example Sentences

Bhatia, however, sees a future where people microdose the drug on and off as needed, something she acknowledges is not yet conventional wisdom.

From Los Angeles Times

“They can try to microdose however they want it,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Not to mention that it’s now cool and hip to microdose.

From Slate

For the japonica, to my taste the washed rice had just a microdose less starch, taking it from already excellent to perfect.

From Seattle Times

Frankly, dog supplements seem to be the natural extension of the longevity movement, which tends to blend reasonable everyday health advice like “Eat well and get a lot of exercise” with totally unproved nonsense like “Microdose psilocybin alongside diabetes medications.”

From Slate