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

The keto diet makes your body rely on ketones for energy by restricting carbohydrates and loading up on fat. —Amanda Gardner, Health, 14 June 2024

Both cat urine and black currant bushes contain varying concentrations of this ketone. —Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 5 June 2024

Her cause of death was diabetic ketoacidosis, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when ketones build up in the bloodstream. —Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 26 May 2024

This releases ketones in the body, which can cause a person's blood to become acidic, leading to high blood sugar, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath and more. —Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 9 May 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