GSM
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Global System for Mobile Communications |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Technology & Computing, Units & Measurements, Medical |
| Also written | gsm |
GSM has three meanings. The most common are Global System for Mobile Communications (telecom) and Grams per square meter (metric and SI unit); it can also stand for Genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
Meanings of GSM at a glance
| # | GSM stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Global System for Mobile Communications | Technology & Computing › Telecom |
| 2 | Grams per square meter | Units & Measurements › Metric and SI Unit |
| 3 | Genitourinary syndrome of menopause | Medical › Obstetrics & Gynecology |
1. Global System for Mobile Communications
Technology & Computing · Telecom Abbreviations
Digital cellular standard behind most of the world's 2G networks, introducing SIM cards, encrypted calls, international roaming and SMS. "GSM unlocked" phones work with GSM-based carriers worldwide.
Example: Buy a GSM unlocked phone so a local SIM card will work when you travel.
The name originally came from Groupe Spécial Mobile, a committee formed by European telecom administrations in 1982; ETSI later took over the standard. The first GSM network launched in Finland in 1991. GSM divides each 200 kHz channel into eight time slots (TDMA). Its successors, UMTS, LTE and 5G, are maintained by 3GPP and keep GSM's SIM-based design.
2. Grams per square meter (gsm)
Units & Measurements · Metric and SI Unit Abbreviations
Weight of paper, card, fabric or towels expressed as mass per unit area, written g/m² in formal specifications. Office copy paper is usually 75 to 80 gsm, while business cards run about 300 to 400 gsm.
Example: Print the brochure on 170 gsm silk-coated paper.
The metric measure replaces the confusing US basis-weight system, in which paper is graded by the weight in pounds of a ream of a base sheet size: 20 lb bond is about 75 gsm. Towels and bedding use gsm as a density measure, with plush bath towels around 600 to 900 gsm. In telecommunications, GSM means the Global System for Mobile Communications.
3. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Medical · Obstetrics & Gynecology Abbreviations
Collection of symptoms caused by low estrogen after menopause affecting the vulva, vagina, urethra and bladder: dryness, burning, painful intercourse, urinary urgency and recurrent urinary infections. Unlike hot flashes, it tends to worsen over time without treatment.
Example: GSM with dyspareunia and recurrent UTIs; start vaginal estradiol cream twice weekly.
The term was introduced in 2014 to replace "vulvovaginal atrophy", which was considered inaccurate and off-putting. Low-dose vaginal estrogen is highly effective with minimal absorption into the bloodstream. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants help mild symptoms. In telecommunications GSM is a mobile phone standard.
Related abbreviations
More telecom abbreviations
- gNB – Next-generation Node B
- GNSS – Global Navigation Satellite System
- GPRS – General Packet Radio Service
- GPS – Global Positioning System
- GSMA – GSM Association
- HFC – Hybrid fiber-coaxial
- HSPA – High Speed Packet Access
- ICCID – Integrated Circuit Card Identifier
See all 114 telecom abbreviations →
More metric and SI unit abbreviations
- E – Exa- (quintillion)
- eV – Electronvolt
- F – Farad
- g – Gram
- Gt – Gigatonne
- Gy – Gray
- h – Hecto- (hundred)
- ha – Hectare
See all 64 metric and SI unit abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.