ketone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical)Formal, Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “ketone” mean?
A type of organic chemical compound containing a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms, often produced when the body breaks down fat for energy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of organic chemical compound containing a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms, often produced when the body breaks down fat for energy.
In broader contexts, can refer to related compounds in biochemistry, metabolic states (like ketosis), or industrial solvents derived from ketone structures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The chemical nomenclature is universal.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. In popular health contexts, associations with 'keto diet' are equally common in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse, but equally common in scientific/medical texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “ketone” in a Sentence
[Ketone] + [body/level/group] (noun-noun compound)[Verb] + [for] + ketones (e.g., test for ketones)[Adjective] + ketone (e.g., simple ketone)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ketone” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A. 'Ketone' is not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A. 'Ketone' is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A. 'Ketone' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A. 'Ketone' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The ketone levels in the patient's blood were alarmingly high.
- They studied the ketone formation pathway.
American English
- She used a ketone strip to test her urine.
- The lab analysed the ketone concentration.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like chemical manufacturing or pharmaceuticals.
Academic
Core term in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and metabolic physiology.
Everyday
Increasingly encountered in health and diet discussions (e.g., 'The keto diet aims to put your body into ketosis, where it burns fat and produces ketones for fuel.').
Technical
Primary context. Precise definition of the functional group and its compounds.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ketone”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ketone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ketone”
- Pronunciation: Mispronouncing as /keˈtoʊn/ (like 'ke-tone'). Correct is /ˈkiː.toʊn/ (KEY-tone).
- Spelling: Confusing with 'kerosene' or 'keystone'.
- Confusing 'ketone' (the general class) with 'ketone bodies' (specific biochemical molecules like acetoacetate).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is pronounced 'KEY-tone' (/ˈkiː.toʊn/). The first syllable rhymes with 'see' or 'key'.
A 'ketone' refers to the general class of organic compounds with a specific structure (C=O between two carbons). 'Ketone bodies' (like acetoacetate) are specific water-soluble molecules produced by the liver during fasting or low-carb intake; they are technically not ketones by strict definition but are closely related and serve as an energy source.
Yes. Acetone, the main ingredient in many nail polish removers, is the simplest ketone (propanone).
Because low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets (like the ketogenic or 'keto' diet) aim to induce a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body produces 'ketone bodies' from fat to use as fuel instead of glucose from carbohydrates.
A type of organic chemical compound containing a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms, often produced when the body breaks down fat for energy.
Ketone is usually formal, technical, scientific in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term and does not feature in idiomatic expressions.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'KEY-tone'. The 'KEY' structure (C=O) in the molecule is the key to its chemical behaviour.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term with little conventional metaphorical extension.)
Practice
Quiz
In which of these fields is the term 'ketone' primarily used?