International Bitterness Unit

noun

variants or less commonly international bitterness unit or International Bittering Unit
plural International Bitterness Units also international bitterness units or International Bittering Units
: a unit of measurement used to assess the concentration of a bitter compound found in hops in order to provide information about how bitter a beer is : ibu
… hop bitterness is measured in International Bitterness Units, or IBUs. Some of the beers we tasted were more than 100 IBUs.Roger Bull and Ed Stansel
The beer contains 5.5% alcohol by volume and 15 international bitterness units, a low level of bitterness.Eric Kolenich
This English style ale has … International Bittering Units (IBUs) between 21-25, a lot less than other ales, making it less bitter and easier to drink.Internet Wire

Word History

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of International Bitterness Unit was in 1994

Dictionary Entries Near International Bitterness Unit

Cite this Entry

“International Bitterness Unit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/International%20Bitterness%20Unit. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

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