ketone

noun

ke·​tone ˈkē-ˌtōn How to pronounce ketone (audio)
: any of a class of organic compounds (such as acetone) characterized by a carbonyl group attached to two carbon atoms
ketonic adjective

Examples of ketone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In a rat study, raspberry ketone decreased leptin and improved leptin resistance.4 Garcinia cambogia (GC): Hydroxycitric acid is one of the main compounds found in GC and is responsible for its beneficial effects on obesity and inflammation. Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2024 Whereas both are composed of a two-ringed nitrogen-containing system, quinolones include a ketone, while fluoroquinolones include a fluorine atom. New Atlas, 24 July 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for ketone 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ketone.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ketone was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near ketone

Cite this Entry

“Ketone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ketone. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.

Medical Definition

ketone

noun
ke·​tone ˈkē-ˌtōn How to pronounce ketone (audio)
: an organic compound (as acetone) with a carbonyl group attached to two carbon atoms

More from Merriam-Webster on ketone

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