international unit

noun

: a quantity of a biologically active substance (such as a vitamin) that produces a particular biological effect agreed upon as an international standard

Examples of international unit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It's typically measured in international units (IU) or micrograms (mcg), and dosages aren't broken down by vitamin D type. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 23 Dec. 2024

Specifically, consuming 2,000 IU (international units) a day of supplemental vitamin D3 without calcium over the course of more than five years did not reduce total fractures, hip, wrist or pelvic fractures when compared with taking a daily placebo, according to the study. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024

BlackRock's international unit is also part of Climate Action 100+, a similar initiative (after the parent company pulled out and transferred the participation earlier this year). —Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 27 Nov. 2024

The international unit reported sales growth of 32% to $4.03 billion in the quarter ended June from a year ago. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for international unit

• lunate
• multiunit
• subunit

Medical Definition

international unit

noun

: the amount of specific physiological activity of a standardized preparation (as of a vitamin) that is agreed upon as an international standard especially for comparison with other biologicals containing the substance in impure form or with a related biologically active substance

also : the amount of the biologically active substance in the standard amount of the preparation producing this activity