ketone

noun

ke·​tone ˈkē-ˌtōn 

: any of a class of organic compounds (such as acetone) characterized by a carbonyl group attached to two carbon atoms

ketonic

kē-ˈtä-nik 

adjective

Examples of ketone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ketoacidosis is a severe condition in which ketone levels become dangerously high, making blood and urine too acidic.3 Ketoacidosis typically does not occur with ketosis. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2024

One ketone, beta-hydroxybutyrate, may function similarly to the microbiome metabolite butyrate in regulating mitochondria. —Christopher Damman, Discover Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024

With a diameter of 40mm, the drivers are constructed from polyether ether ketone and have diaphragms made from polyurethane. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

However, too many ketones can cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in people with uncontrolled diabetes. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Keton, coinage based on Aceton acetone

Note: The German term Keton was apparently the coinage of the chemist Leopold Gmelin (1788-1853), who introduced it in Handbuch der organischen Chemie, 1. Band, 4. Auflage (Heidelberg, 1848), p. 40 passim. Gmelin characterized ketones as "Acetone im allgemeinen" ("acetones in general"), acetone being the smallest and simplest ketone.

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ketone

• ketone body
• methyl ethyl ketone

Medical Definition

ketone

noun

ke·​tone ˈkē-ˌtōn 

: an organic compound (as acetone) with a carbonyl group attached to two carbon atoms