What is the meaning of ration?

noun

• The food allowance for one day (especially for service personnel. )
  • usage: "the rations should be nutritionally balanced"
• A fixed portion that is allotted (especially in times of scarcity. )

verb

• Restrict the consumption of a relatively scarce commodity, as during war.
  • usage: "Bread was rationed during the siege of the city"
• Distribute in rations, as in the army.
  • usage: "Cigarettes are rationed"
  • synonyms: ration out