noun

ketone

KEE-tohn

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Ketone (noun) means a ketone is any of a family of organic compounds whose defining feature is a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, set within a carbon and hydrogen based molecule. Example: “Acetone is the simplest ketone.”

noun

technical A ketone is any of a family of organic compounds whose defining feature is a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, set within a carbon and hydrogen based molecule.

"Acetone is the simplest ketone."

"The reaction produced a ketone as its main product."

"Butanone is a ketone widely used as an industrial solvent."

How to use ketone

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA ketone is a class of chemical compound built around a particular carbon-oxygen bond.

When to use it

Ketone is a specialist term used in organic chemistry and related fields such as nutrition.

Memory tip

Ketones and aldehydes both contain a similar carbon-oxygen bond, so check which one a text is discussing before assuming they are the same.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

aldehyde →

Common pairings

ketone group ketone compound methyl ethyl ketone ketone bodies

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “ketone” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Acetone is the simplest _____.

Etymology

Ketone comes from German Keton, which was shortened from Aketon, the German word for acetone. Acetone itself was borrowed from French acétone.

Origin: German

Rhymes for ketone

one bone done gone none tone lone hone cone zone stone phone

See all rhymes for ketone →

Frequently asked questions

What is a ketone in chemistry?

It is an organic compound built around a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom within a carbon-hydrogen framework.

Is acetone a ketone?

Yes, acetone is a well-known example of a ketone.

How do you pronounce ketone?

In British English it is pronounced KEE-tohn, with the stress on the first syllable.

What is the meaning of ketone?

"ketone" (noun) means a ketone is any of a family of organic compounds whose defining feature is a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, set within a carbon and hydrogen based molecule.