Aou

Aou is an acronym with several meanings, the most established being the American Ornithologists' Union (AOU). This North American scientific society was devoted to the study of birds and brought together professional researchers and amateur enthusiasts. It supported ornithological research, taxonomy, and conservation through meetings, publications, and collaborative projects. The organization published The Auk, a leading ornithological journal, and produced the Check-list of North American Birds, a widely used taxonomic reference. In 2016 the American Ornithologists' Union merged with the Cooper Ornithological Society to form the American Ornithological Society (AOS). The Check-list and related taxonomic standards were continued under the new organization, and The Auk remained a core publication under the successor society or its publishing partners.

Aou also stands for the Arab Open University, a pan-Arab institution established to offer open and distance education across Arab countries. The Arab Open University aims to provide access to higher education for nontraditional students by delivering programs through online and blended formats, with curricula available in Arabic and English. It operates through regional branches or partner centers in several countries and is part of the broader Open University movement in the region.

Context determines the intended meaning of AOU. Other organizations, initiatives, or products may use the same acronym. When encountering the term, it is advisable to consider geographic, institutional, or disciplinary cues to interpret the reference accurately.