Ration

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɹæʃən/

Definitions

1. A specific amount of essential supplies designated for distribution to individuals ensures equitable access during times of scarcity
2. A limited quantity of goods assigned to a person for use, especially during shortages ; to divide and allocate supplies in measured amounts among recipients
3. A prearranged portion of materials or food allotted per individual ; to distribute resources evenly and systematically to a group

Etymology: The word "ration" comes from the same ancient root as "reason" and "ratio," which surprises many people who think of it only as a wartime food allowance. Its path into English ran through French, where "ration" carried the sense of a calculated share, and the older Latin idea was simply reckoning or proportion. The three words are doublets, meaning they descend from one source by different routes, so "ratio" kept the mathematical sense of comparison, "reason" took the mental sense of calculating and judging, and "ration" kept the sense of a measured portion. The noun's modern meaning grew out of that idea of a fixed, reckoned share. Once something is divided out in measured amounts, it becomes a portion assigned to each person, which is the sense of a daily food allowance. The verb follows the same logic: to ration something is to limit it to set portions, usually when supplies are scarce.

Synonyms: portion, allotment, share

Antonyms: glut, surplus