ration

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the food allowance for one day (especially for service personnel)

   the rations should be nutritionally balanced

2. 2
   noun

   a fixed portion that is allotted, especially in times of scarcity

   The weekly rations included a loaf of bread, three apples, and two potatoes.

3. 3
   verb

   distribute in rations, as in the army

   Cigarettes are rationed

4. 4
   verb

   restrict the consumption of a relatively scarce commodity, as during war

   Bread was rationed during the siege of the city

5. 5
   noun

   A portion of some limited resource, especially food, allocated to a person or group.

   The corn ration was drastically reduced, and it was announced that an extra potato ration would be issued to make up for it.

6. 6
   verb

   To supply with a ration; to limit (someone) to a specific allowance of something.

   We rationed ourselves to three sips of water a day until we were rescued.

7. 7
   verb

   To portion out (especially during a shortage of supply); to limit access to.

   By the third day on the raft, we had to ration our water.

8. 8
   verb

   To restrict (an activity etc.)

   I've rationed myself to one cup of coffee a day.

Etymology

From French ration. Doublet of reason and ratio.