ration
UK: ˈræʃən | US: ˈræʃən
n. a fixed amount of food, fuel, or other resources allocated to a person or group, especially during shortages
vt. to distribute resources in fixed amounts
The word "ration" originates from the Latin ratio, meaning "calculation" or "reason." Over time, it evolved through French (ration) to refer specifically to a calculated or measured portion of supplies. The morpheme rat preserves the original Latin root's sense of calculation, while -ion marks it as a noun. This reflects the logical progression from "reasoning" to "measured allocation."
During the war, each family received a weekly ration of flour.
The government rationed gasoline to conserve resources.
Soldiers were given a daily ration of canned food.
Water was rationed after the drought.
The refugees depended on humanitarian aid rations.