Proper noun

ISO

1. International Organization for Standardization

Noun

Singular ISO

Plural ISOs

ISO (plural ISOs)

1. (computing) A file extension for a disk image of an ISO 9660 file system (such as a CD or DVD).

Initialism

ISO

1. The Imperial Service Order.
2. In search of (in personal ads).

The International Organization for Standardization (Organisation internationale de normalisation), widely known as ISO (pronounced /ˈaɪsoʊ/), is an international-standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. Founded on 23 February 1947, the organization promulgates worldwide proprietary industrial and commercial standards. It has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. While ISO defines itself as a non-governmental organization, its ability to set standards that often become law, either through treaties or national standards, makes it more powerful than most non-governmental organizations. In practice, ISO acts as a consortium with strong links to governments.

Name and abbreviation

The organization's logos in its two official languages, English and French, include the word ISO (pronounced /ˈaɪsoʊ/), and it is usually referred to by this short-form name. ISO is not an acronym or initialism for the organization's full name in either official language. Rather, the organization adopted ISO based on the Greek word isos (ἴσος), meaning equal. Recognizing that the organization’s initials would be different in different languages, the organization's founders chose ISO as the universal short form of its name. This, in itself, reflects the aim of the organization: to equalize and standardize across cultures.