| ketone body n. A ketone-containing substance, such as acetoacetic acid, that is an intermediate product of fatty acid metabolism. Ketone bodies tend to accumulate in the blood and urine of individuals affected by starvation or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Also called acetone body. |
ketone body
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) Biochem any of three compounds (acetoacetic acid, 3-hydroxybutanoic acid, and acetone) produced when fatty acids are broken down in the liver to provide a source of energy. Excess ketone bodies are present in the blood and urine of people unable to use glucose as an energy source, as in diabetes and starvation Also called acetone body
| ketone body A ketone-containing substance that is an intermediate product of the metabolism of fatty acids. Ketone bodies tend to accumulate in the blood and urine of individuals affected by starvation or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  ketone body - a ketone that is an intermediate product of the breakdown of fats in the body; any of three compounds (acetoacetic acid, acetone, and/or beta-hydroxybutyric acid) found in excess in blood and urine of persons with metabolic disordersketone - any of a class of organic compounds having a carbonyl group linked to a carbon atom in each of two hydrocarbon radicals acetoacetic acid - unstable acid found in abnormal amounts in the blood and urine in some cases of impaired metabolism (as diabetes mellitus or starvation) beta-hydroxybutyric acid - beta derivative of hydroxybutyric acid that is found in the blood and urine in some cases of impaired metabolism |
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