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 researchers noted no increase in dangerous complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication of diabetes that occurs when there’s a lack of insulin and the body has to burn fat for energy instead of glucose, leading to a buildup of ketones in the blood. —New Atlas, 25 June 2025

Real paint thinner is a solvent used for thinning and removing paint and is typically made of alcohols, esters, petroleum products, organic solvents, and ketones, but the specific makeup varies from brand to brand. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2025

Raspberry ketones are dietary supplements containing extracts from raspberries and other sources. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2025

In rare cases, this could lead to life-threatening complications like ketoacidosis, a problem caused by excess ketones in the bloodstream and an inability to produce insulin. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025

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