international unit
noun Pharmacology.
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.
the particular quantity of such a substance, which causes a specific biological effect. Abbreviation: IU
Origin of international unit
First recorded in 1920–25
Words nearby international unit
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international telecommunications union,
international telegram,
international temperature scale,
international union for conservation of nature,
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international workingmen's association,
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Medical definitions for international unit
international unit
n.
The quantity of a biologically active substance, such as a hormone or vitamin, required to produce a specific response.
A unit of potency for similarly active substances, based on this quantity and accepted as an international standard.
Scientific definitions for international unit
international unit
A unit for measuring a biologically active substance, such as a hormone or vitamin.