Word
ketone
Phoneticske·tone, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkitoʊn/
UK/kˈɛtəʊn/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a chemical your body makes when it burns fat for energy instead of sugar. The word also names a large group of similar chemicals used in science and industry.
n. a class of organic compounds containing a carbonyl group bonded to two carbon atoms. Produced in the liver during fat metabolism and measured as markers of ketosis.
Examples
“Your body makes ketones when you skip meals for a long time.”
“After two days of fasting, the doctor checks his blood for ketones to see how his body uses fat.”
“The lab identified elevated ketones in the sample, suggesting prolonged carbohydrate restriction had shifted metabolism toward fat oxidation.”
Examples
simple
“Your body makes ketones when you skip meals for a long time.”
contextual
“After two days of fasting, the doctor checks his blood for ketones to see how his body uses fat.”
complex
“The lab identified elevated ketones in the sample, suggesting prolonged carbohydrate restriction had shifted metabolism toward fat oxidation.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “ketone” in context.
Verb
01. detect ketone
“The urine strip can detect ketone within sixty seconds.”
verb + noun
02. ketone accumulates
“Without enough insulin, ketone accumulates rapidly in the bloodstream.”
noun + verb
03. ketone rises
“After two days of fasting, ketone rises sharply to supply energy.”
noun + verb
04. measure ketone
“Patients can measure ketone levels at home with a blood meter.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. elevated ketone
“Elevated ketone readings can signal that diabetes is poorly controlled.”
adj + noun
06. excess ketone
“Excess ketone buildup can make the blood dangerously acidic.”
adj + noun
07. exogenous ketone
“Exogenous ketone supplements are marketed to athletes for endurance.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. ketone body
“A ketone body can cross the blood-brain barrier to fuel neurons.”
noun + noun
09. ketone level
“Your ketone level should be checked if you feel nauseous and tired.”
noun + noun
10. blood test for ketones
“She ordered a blood test for ketones to check for ketoacidosis.”
11. body produces ketones for energy
“On a strict low-carb diet, the body produces ketones for energy.”
12. high ketone levels
“High ketone levels with high blood sugar require urgent medical advice.”
Real-World Examples
“When we have depleted the glycogen stores, the body switches from glucose to ketones, which are made in the liver from fatty acids.” “Mr Woo says depriving yourself of nutrition provokes the body to produce ketones, a byproduct of your organs turning to your stored fat for fuel.” “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday it authorized Abbott Laboratories' glucose monitor, making it the first device that continuously monitors both ketone levels and blood sugar.” “The energy-boosting drink branded DeltaG was a synthetic version of a naturally-occurring body acid called ketones which had been developed for US Special Forces.” Etymology
From German Keton, from Aketon (“acetone”), from French acétone (“acetone”). See acetone.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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