ration

/ˈræʃən/
noun
  1. A fixed amount of food, fuel, or other essential item that is officially allowed to each person during a shortage or emergency.
    • During the war, each family received a weekly ration of bread and milk.
    • The government announced a new ration of gasoline to help conserve fuel.
    • The hikers packed a three-day ration of water and energy bars.
  2. A regular portion or share of something, especially food, given to a person or animal.
    • Each soldier was issued a standard ration of canned meat and crackers.
    • She measured out a small ration of rice for dinner.
    • The dog eagerly ate its daily ration of kibble.
verb
  1. To limit the amount of something that a person is allowed to have, especially during a shortage.
    • The government had to ration water during the drought.
    • During the crisis, hospitals rationed masks and gloves for staff.
    • The camp leader rationed the food supplies to make them last a week.
  2. To give out or distribute something in fixed amounts.
    • The captain rationed the remaining fuel to reach the nearest port.
    • The relief workers rationed the medicine to the refugees.
    • She carefully rationed the chocolate among the children.
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