ration etymology

Etymology

The word "ration" comes from the Latin term "ratio", which means "a fixed proportion or rate."

Meaning

A ration refers to a fixed or controlled amount of food, drink, or other supplies allocated to a person or group, typically on a daily or regular basis.

Origin

The concept of rations has its roots in ancient military practices. In the Roman army, for example, soldiers received a daily ration of bread, meat, and other provisions to sustain them during campaigns.

Over time, the term "ration" came to be used in a variety of contexts:

  • Military: Referencing the provisions allocated to soldiers in the field
  • Prison or disaster relief: Designating the basic supplies provided to inmates or victims
  • Institutional settings: Denoting the fixed amount of food served in hospitals, schools, or other institutions
  • Nutrition: Describing a balanced diet providing essential nutrients in specific proportions

Examples of Usage

  • "The soldiers received a ration of canned food and water."
  • "The prisoners were given a meager ration of bread and soup."
  • "The hospital served a daily ration of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains."
  • "The nutritionist recommended a balanced ration of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats."

ration relate terms

  • ratio

    Etymology Ratio is derived from the Latin word ratio which means Account Reckoning

  • Logos

    Etymology The word logos comes from the Ancient Greek word λόγος lógos meani

  • rationing

    Etymology Middle English racion from Old French racion from Latin ratio reckoning

  • ration

    Etymology The word ration comes from the Latin term ratio which means a fixed propo

  • rational

    Etymology From the Latin ratio reason the suffix nal relating to Meaning

  • livery

    Etymology The word livery comes from the Old French word livree meaning delivery

  • allocate

    Etymology Old French alocacion Latin allocatio allocare to assign or place ad to

  • rapt

    Etymology The word rapt comes from the Latin word rapere meaning to seize or to c

  • part

    Part Etymology Middle English in the sense portion portion of a whole from Old

  • trap

    Etymology The word trap has origins in several languages Old English træppe Midd

  • fare

    Etymology The word fare comes from the Old English word fær which means a journey

  • fear

    Etymology Fear derives from the Middle English word fere meaning sudden fright or

  • circumscribe

    Etymology The word circumscribe comes from the Latin circumscribere meaning to draw

  • portion

    Etymology Middle English porcioun from Old French porcioun from Medieval Latin porti