ketosis

noun

ke·​to·​sis kē-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce ketosis (audio)
: an abnormal increase of ketone bodies in the body
ketotic adjective

Examples of ketosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Fasting can be a powerful tool for weight loss, improved insulin levels, and even entering the coveted state of ketosis. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 28 Aug. 2023 The following veggies and legumes are higher in carbs, which means eating them could push you over your carb allotment for the day and take you out of ketosis. Women's Health, 16 Aug. 2023 With 11 grams of organic acacia fiber per serving, Elm & Rye supplements can help users reach their daily fiber goals without jeopardizing their ketosis. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2023 Furthermore, the analysis of these top fiber supplements revealed that an impressive 92% of the products contained less than 3 grams of net carbs per serving, ensuring that individuals can maintain a state of ketosis while simultaneously meeting their daily fiber requirements. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 27 July 2023 What sets Genius Pre apart from other pre workouts is its use of exogenous ketones, which can help support ketosis and enhance fat burning. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2023 There is little room for that type of error on the keto diet, which relies on your body staying in ketosis. Amanda MacMillan, Health, 5 June 2023 Research shows that limiting carbohydrates induces ketosis, a biological process that frees energy from fat reserves during starvation and prolonged exercise. Christopher Damman, Fortune Well, 3 July 2023 Introducing mct oil in your daily routine will help jump-start metabolic activity, increasing energy and focus while keeping you in ketosis. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ketosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ket(one) + -osis (after acidosis)

Note: The word ketosis was apparently introduced, somewhat hesitantly, by the American physician Frederick Madison Allen (1879-1964) in "The Role of Fat in Diabetes," American Journal of the Medical Sciences, series 2, vol. 153, no. 3 (March, 1917), p. 335: "The second basis of definition [of acidosis] is that of need and distinctiveness. Diminished alkalinity, increased hydrogen ion concentration, lowering of carbon dioxide, decrease of buffer salts, and (for the symptoms of these changes) acid intoxication—all these terms have definite meanings, and to appropriate the name acidosis for any one of them is merely to create a useless synonym. No other name but acidosis exists for the metabolic process which it denotes. Ketonuria and ketonemia have their accurate place but do not cover the ground. Possibly the word ketosis might be suggested and used for special purposes, but the change of established usage would be difficult and seems unnecessary."

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ketosis was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near ketosis

Cite this Entry

“Ketosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ketosis. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

Medical Definition

ketosis

noun
ke·​to·​sis kē-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce ketosis (audio)
plural ketoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce ketosis (audio)
1
: an abnormal increase of ketone bodies in the body in conditions of reduced or disturbed carbohydrate metabolism (as in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus) compare acidosis, alkalosis
2
: a nutritional disease of cattle and sometimes sheep, goats, or swine that is marked by reduction of blood sugar and the presence of ketone bodies in the blood, tissues, milk, and urine and is associated with digestive and nervous disturbances
ketotic adjective

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