IPA
Abbreviation with 4 meanings
| Stands for | International Phonetic Alphabet |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 4 |
| Categories | Writing & Everyday, Science & Engineering, Medical, Technology & Computing |
IPA has four meanings. The most common are International Phonetic Alphabet (grammar and dictionary) and Isopropyl alcohol (chemistry); it can also stand for Independent practice association and iOS App Store Package.
Meanings of IPA at a glance
| # | IPA stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | International Phonetic Alphabet | Writing & Everyday › Grammar and Dictionary |
| 2 | Isopropyl alcohol | Science & Engineering › Chemistry |
| 3 | Independent practice association | Medical › Health Insurance |
| 4 | iOS App Store Package | Technology & Computing › File Format |
1. International Phonetic Alphabet
Writing & Everyday · Grammar and Dictionary Abbreviations
A standardized system of phonetic symbols representing the sounds of spoken language, used in dictionaries, language teaching, linguistics and speech therapy. Each symbol represents one distinct sound, whatever the language being transcribed.
Example: The IPA transcription of "thought" is /θɔːt/ in British English and /θɔt/ or /θɑt/ in American English.
The alphabet was first published in 1888 by the International Phonetic Association, which shares the initials and still maintains the chart. Phonemic transcriptions go between slashes and detailed phonetic ones between square brackets. Learner's dictionaries use IPA, while many American dictionaries use their own respellings. In brewing, IPA means India pale ale.
2. Isopropyl alcohol
Science & Engineering · Chemistry Abbreviations
Common name for 2-propanol, (CH3)2CHOH, the main ingredient of rubbing alcohol and a widely used cleaning solvent. Technicians use high-purity IPA to clean circuit boards, optics and screens because it evaporates quickly and leaves little residue, and 70% solutions disinfect skin and surfaces.
Example: Clean the old thermal paste off the CPU with 99% IPA and a lint-free cloth.
Also called isopropanol. A 70% solution kills microbes more reliably than 99%, because water helps denature proteins and slows evaporation. IPA is toxic if swallowed, though less dangerous than methanol. In brewing, IPA means India pale ale, an unrelated meaning.
3. Independent practice association
Medical · Health Insurance Abbreviations
Network of independent physicians or medical groups that contracts collectively with health plans, especially HMOs, while members keep their own private practices. The IPA negotiates rates, may accept capitation and handles some administrative and utilization management functions.
Example: Her HMO routes specialist referrals through her PCP's IPA, so care stays within that group.
Also called an independent physician association. IPAs are especially common in California, where delegated HMO models are widespread. In linguistics IPA means International Phonetic Alphabet, and in brewing India pale ale.
4. iOS App Store Package
Technology & Computing · File Format Abbreviations
File format for iPhone and iPad apps, a ZIP archive containing the signed app bundle and its resources. Users normally never see IPA files because the App Store installs apps directly.
Example: The beta build is an IPA distributed through TestFlight to our internal testers.
iOS only runs apps signed by Apple or by a developer with an Apple certificate, so an IPA cannot simply be downloaded and opened like an Android APK. Sideloading tools such as AltStore use developer certificates to install IPAs. Since iOS 17.4 in 2024, users in the EU can install apps from alternative marketplaces under the Digital Markets Act. IPA also means India pale ale.
Related abbreviations
More grammar and dictionary abbreviations
- indef. – Indefinite
- inf. – Infinitive
- interj. – Interjection
- interrog. – Interrogative
- It. – Italian
- joc. – Jocular
- Lat. – Latin
- lit. – Literally
See all 93 grammar and dictionary abbreviations →
More chemistry abbreviations
- HFC – Hydrofluorocarbon
- HOMO – Highest occupied molecular orbital
- HPLC – High-performance liquid chromatography
- ICP-MS – Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
- IR – Infrared spectroscopy
- IUPAC – International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
- LC-MS – Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
- LD50 – Lethal dose, 50%
See all 106 chemistry abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.