🌞 Astronomy unit 🎵 Audio software

AU

8.0

A plugin format used on Apple computers to add virtual instruments and audio effects to music software

noun
/eɪ ju/

Specialized

: AU

Examples

( We have three prams, spent a total of $40 AU on them; one is on its fifth kid. The last time we used it was when my kid busted her ankle.)

Blog text (1)
In music production, artists often use a variety of AU plugins to enhance their tracks.
The digital audio workstation supports multiple AU formats for audio effects and instruments.
When mixing sound, make sure to load the correct AU for optimal performance.

Idioms

au naturel

NSFW

4 9.6

Not wearing clothes or makeup

au contraire

3 8.9

To say that something is the opposite of what was just said

au courant

Formal

1 9.9

Aware of recent events and developments in a field

Compounds

au revoir

22 8.5

A polite way to say goodbye when you expect to see someone again

au pair

7 5.8

A young person from another country who lives with a family and helps look after children for room and food

au gratin

4 6.3

Covered with browned breadcrumbs and cheese and baked until golden

coq au vin

3 8.5

A French dish of chicken cooked slowly in red wine with onions and mushrooms

steak au poivre

1 8.6

A piece of beef covered in crushed pepper and cooked in a hot pan with a brandy and butter sauce

au jus

1 8.5

Meat that is served with its own natural juices or thin gravy

au pair girl

Archaic

1 6.3

A young woman who lives with a family and cares for children while getting room, food and a small payment

baba au rhum

1 9.9

A small sweet yeast cake soaked in rum syrup and often served with whipped cream

vol-au-vent

1 9.6

A small hollow case of puff pastry filled with meat or creamy sauce

cafe au lait

4.6

A hot drink made of equal parts hot coffee and hot milk

pot-au-feu

8.5

A French stew of beef and vegetables slowly cooked in water or broth

Surface Forms

AU singular

AUs plural

Etymology

AU in music tech comes from the name Audio Units, where audio means 'sound' and unit means 'one part'. So, an AU is a small plugin you load into music programs on a Mac to add an instrument or a sound effect.