Why is the International Organization for Standardization Abbreviated as ISO?

The abbreviation ISO, which stands for the International Organization for Standardization, has both an interesting origin and a rich history in standardization. This article delves into the meaning behind ISO and how the abbreviation was chosen.

The Meaning of 'iso-'

At its core, the prefix 'iso-' originates from the ancient Greek language, where it denotes the concept of equality or sameness. Let's break down some examples to better illustrate this:

Aisos: The Greek word 'isos' translates to 'equal.' Isosceles Triangle: A triangle with two sides of the same length literally means 'equal legs.' Isotope: An element with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons, which occupies the same place on the periodic table. Isobar: A line on a weather chart showing areas of the same barometric pressure.

It is crucial to note, however, that 'iso-' does not always mean 'equal.' For instance, 'insula' in Latin means 'island,' which is related to the Italian word 'isola,' meaning island.

The Use of ISO in Various Industries

ISO is used in several industries to denote standards that align with the International Organization for Standardization. Here are a few examples:

Photographic Film Sensitivity: ISO ratings indicate the sensitivity of the film to light. CD-ROM Storage Format: It specifies the format and compatibility of storage media. Quality Processes: Standards for ensuring consistent quality in manufacturing and services.

The Origin of ISO's Name

Although many people ask 'why is it called ISO?', there are instances where the name originated from different languages. For instance, in film days, films were rated with two numbers: ASA and DIN. DIN stands for Deutsche Industrie Norm, which translates to German Industrial Standard.

As digital cameras emerged, the revolution in technology necessitated a change. The industry switched from ASA to ISO. The numbers remained the same, implying that ISO 400 sensitivity in digital cameras equated to ASA 400 in film.

To maintain consistency across languages and cultures, every country that is a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) uses the same acronym, ISO, regardless of the name of the organization in their local languages. This standardization ensures that there is no ambiguity in communications and documentation.

Conclusion

The abbreviation ISO has deep roots in ancient Greek, where it signifies 'equality' or 'sameness.' The name ISO itself was chosen to avoid creating different acronyms in various languages, ensuring a uniform reference across the global community of standards.

Further Reading

For more information on the ISO organization and its standards, please refer to the following link: