What is meant by the term 'dose' in the context of radiation?

In the context of radiation, the term 'dose' specifically refers to the amount of radiation absorbed by an organ or body. This quantification is crucial because it helps determine the potential biological effects of radiation on human tissues. The absorbed dose is usually measured in units such as grays (Gy), which indicates the energy deposited by radiation in a given mass of tissue. Understanding the dose is essential for assessing health risks from radiation exposure, as different levels of exposure can lead to varying degrees of biological damage.

While aspects such as distance from the radiation source, duration of exposure, and the type of radiation do play roles in radiation safety and protection measures, they do not define what 'dose' means. Dose focuses solely on the quantifiable amount absorbed, which is a key factor in evaluating potential health impacts.