# CIS

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cis
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. gender identity

adjective · CEFR B2

describing someone whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth.

For teachers: denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex.

- The survey asked both cis and trans individuals to share their experiences.
- Sociological research often compares the lived experiences of cis and trans people to identify systemic disparities in healthcare access.

### 2. chemistry

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describing a molecule where certain parts are on the same side of a bond.

For teachers: characterised by having certain atoms or groups on the same side of the plane of a double bond or ring.

- The scientist explained the difference between the cis and trans versions of the fat.
- The physical properties of the cis isomer differ significantly from those of its trans counterpart due to the spatial arrangement of the functional groups.

### 3. international group

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

Stands for Commonwealth of Independent States.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Commonwealth of Independent States; a regional intergovernmental organisation in Eurasia.

- Several countries in the CIS agreed to new trade rules last year.
- Diplomatic relations between member states of the CIS have become increasingly complex due to shifting geopolitical alliances in the region.

### 4. medical condition

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

Stands for clinically isolated syndrome.

For teachers: Abbreviation for clinically isolated syndrome; a first episode of neurologic symptoms that may lead to multiple sclerosis.

- The doctor monitored the patient closely after the first signs of CIS.
- Patients presenting with CIS require longitudinal MRI monitoring to determine the likelihood of progression to a formal diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

### 5. tax scheme

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Technical

Stands for Construction Industry Scheme.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Construction Industry Scheme; a UK tax set of rules for contractors and subcontractors.

- If you work as a builder in the UK, you might need to register for CIS.
- Under the CIS, contractors deduct money from a subcontractor's payments and pass it to the tax authorities as advance payments towards tax.

## Examples

- The CIS countries met to discuss new trade rules.
- Several member states within the CIS have established a free trade area to simplify cross-border commerce.
- The formation of the CIS served as a diplomatic mechanism to manage the transition of former Soviet republics into independent sovereign states while maintaining essential infrastructure links.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.