microdose

American  

[mahy-kroh-dohs] / ˈmaɪ kroʊˌdoʊs /

noun

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

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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.

Etymology

Origin of microdose

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

Example Sentences

Like a lot of “SNL” monologues from stand-up comics, Glaser’s was a microdose of her comedy act.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 9, 2025

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 • Apr. 13, 2024

If the old drill sergeant came here, he would very likely be given a microdose, a meditation cushion, a lesson on droplet transmission and a talk about toxic masculinity.

From New York Times • May 4, 2022

Yellowjackets is a collective fever dream Yellowjackets is a collective fever dream, a streamed microdose to bring out the best and worst of our past selves.

From The Verge • Jan. 19, 2022

Kids, Haslam says, are “flirting with the taboo of doing something revolting”, which he equates to riding on a rollercoaster – a “controlled microdose of an intense negative emotion”.

From The Guardian • Apr. 10, 2019