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

Now, you can choose from multiple varieties of cocaine—priced according to strength—alongside ayahuasca microdose capsules, GLP-1 weight loss drugs, and mushroom chocolates crafted by chefs formerly employed at Michelin-starred restaurants.

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For parents who choose to bring their newborn on outings — even a walk or a doughnut run — the experience can feel like a microdose of self-identity, said Reff.

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

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

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

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