ketone body

noun

: any of the three compounds acetoacetic acid, acetone, and beta-hydroxybutyric acid which are normal intermediates in lipid metabolism and accumulate in the blood and urine in abnormal amounts in conditions of impaired metabolism (such as diabetes mellitus)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The fat must be broken down first, however, and, as part of that process, the liver creates substances known as ketone bodies that can be converted into energy. —Gretchen Reynolds, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2020

Here in the 21st century: Taking supplemental ketones to help enhance this biological process will likely decrease appetite by raising blood levels of ketone bodies. —Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, 16 Jan. 2019

The process generates ketone bodies that may have healthy effects. —Mark Barna, Discover Magazine, 24 Sep. 2018

But by starving the body of carbs, a ketogenic diet forces a person into a state of ketosis: Their body burns its own fat, producing ketone bodies. —Susie Neilson, The Cut, 26 Jan. 2018

There’s evidence that some of these ketone bodies are beneficial in disease. —Bradley J. Fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, 5 Sep. 2017

Word History

Etymology

translation of German Ketonkörper

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ketone body

noun

: any of the three compounds acetoacetic acid, acetone, and the beta derivative of hydroxybutyric acid which are normal intermediates in lipid metabolism and accumulate in the blood and urine in abnormal amounts in conditions of impaired metabolism (as diabetes mellitus)

called also acetone body