ketone body

/ˌkiˈtoʊn ˌbɑdi/

Definitions of ketone body

1. noun

   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 disorders
   synonyms: acetone body

   types:

   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

   type of:

   ketone

   any of a class of organic compounds having a carbonyl group linked to a carbon atom in each of two hydrocarbon radicals