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noun Common

ISO

EYE-soh
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ISO (noun) means a file that contains an exact copy of everything on a disc, such as a CD or DVD, used to store or share software. Example: “He downloaded the ISO and burned it to a blank disc.”

noun
1
A file that contains an exact copy of everything on a disc, such as a CD or DVD, used to store or share software.
"He downloaded the ISO and burned it to a blank disc."
2
A number that measures how sensitive a camera or film is to light.
"Raising the ISO lets you shoot in darker conditions, but adds more grain."
name
1
The International Organization for Standardization, a body that sets global technical and quality standards.
"The product is certified to ISO 9001 quality standards."

How to use ISO

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDepending on context: a disc-image file, a camera light-sensitivity setting, or the international standards organisation.

Common pairings
ISO file ISO setting ISO certified
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Word forms

Plural
ISOs
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He downloaded the _____ and burned it to a blank disc.

Etymology

Officially from Greek ίσος (ísos, “equal”). However, a participant in the initial meetings disputes this etymology, claiming that the link to ίσος was decided on after the name ISO was set. (file format): From the file extension, in reference to the ISO 9660 specification.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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disc image

Rhymes for ISO

miso
See all rhymes for ISO →

Frequently asked questions

What does “ISO” mean?
The word “ISO” means a file that contains an exact copy of everything on a disc, such as a CD or DVD, used to store or share software. In plain terms, depending on context: a disc-image file, a camera light-sensitivity setting, or the international standards organisation.
How do you pronounce “ISO”?
“ISO” is pronounced EYE-soh (/ˈaɪ.soʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ISO” in a sentence?
Here is “ISO” used in a sentence: “He downloaded the ISO and burned it to a blank disc.”
What part of speech is “ISO”?
Depending on how it is used, “ISO” can be a noun and a name.
Is “ISO” a common word?
“ISO” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ISO” have?
“ISO” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a file that contains an exact copy of everything on a disc, such as a CD or DVD, used to store or share software.
What is the difference between an ISO file and a regular installer file?
An ISO file is an exact copy of everything on a disc, such as a CD or DVD, packaged into a single file, while a regular installer is typically just the program files needed for setup. ISO files are often used to store or share software as if it were still on physical media.
What does ISO mean for camera settings?
In photography, ISO is a number that measures how sensitive a camera or film is to light. A higher ISO number means greater sensitivity, useful in low light, but it can also introduce more visual noise or grain.
What is the ISO organization?
ISO refers to the International Organization for Standardization, a body that sets global technical and quality standards used across industries worldwide. The same abbreviation is also used for disc image files and camera light-sensitivity ratings.

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Vocabulary lists that include ISO:

Words that start with I Words that end with O
etymology from Wiktionary