Ipas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Pluralized term for a hoppy type of pale ale beer originating in England ; acronym referring to internet- or technology-based performance assessment systems or tools ; abbreviation for International Phonetic Alphabet symbols
2. Used to denote multiple varieties of a distinctively bitter and aromatic beer style ; signifies digital or software-based proficiency evaluation platforms ; shorthand for standardized linguistic notation marks
3. Applies to several examples of a brew celebrated for pronounced hop character ; stands for computerized skills measurement methods ; represents letters or marks used in global phonetic transcription

Etymology: The plural most people meet is a beer. "India pale ale" was a strong, heavily hopped pale ale brewed in England for export to British India. Brewers added extra hops and alcohol, both natural preservatives, so the beer would survive months at sea and arrive drinkable. The hoppy style outlived those voyages and became a craft favourite, so "IPAs" usually means several bottles of it. The same three letters also abbreviate the International Phonetic Alphabet, a system of symbols for transcribing speech sounds. In that sense the plural is rare and refers to the symbols or to several phonetic alphabets. The acronym for internet-based performance assessment systems is an unrelated coinage that shares only the letters.

Synonyms: IPAs, India pale ales