international unit

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. an internationally agreed upon standard, as measured by bioassay, to which samples of a substance, as a drug or hormone, are compared to ascertain their relative potency.
2. the particular quantity of such a substance, which causes a specific biological effect. : IU

international unit

1. A unit for measuring a biologically active substance, such as a hormone or vitamin.

Word History and Origins

Origin of international unit¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Contreras was apprehended on July 8 in Mexicali, Mexico, by the Fuerza Estatal de Seguridad Ciudadana International Unit, working in coordination with the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Returns on equity booked by the international unit which houses Barclays' transatlantic investment bank fell to 10.2% from 14.4% a year earlier, as fees from advising on debt and equity fundraising plunged by almost two-fifths year on year.

From Reuters

The 30-year-old onetime billionaire also said FTX's U.S. wing is "fully solvent" and that its international unit has many billions of dollars in assets.

From Reuters

Alliance Defending Freedom, a public-interest law firm whose ADF International unit was involved in the Asher’s Baking case, said the EU decision contrasts with actions in Colorado and Washington state, among other U.S. jurisdictions, where bakers, photographers, floral arrangers and website designers are being “compelled” to create products to support events to which they object on conscience grounds.

From Washington Times

Enel, through its Enel X International unit, will lose its right of joint operational control of Ufinet if it does not exercise the option by the end of the year.

From Reuters