ketosis

American  

[ki-toh-sis] / kɪˈtoʊ sɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. the accumulation of excessive ketones in the body, as in diabetic acidosis.

---

ketosis British  

/ kɪˈtəʊsɪs /

noun

1. Also called: acetonaemia.  pathol a high concentration of ketone bodies in the blood

---

Etymology

Origin of ketosis

First recorded in 1915–20; ket- + -osis

Compare meaning

How does ketosis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ketogenesis vs. ketosis

Explanation

When the body runs out of carbohydrates to burn for energy, it burns fat instead and goes through a process called ketosis. When someone is fasting, it's not uncommon for their body to enter a state of ketosis. The process has been studied by scientists and found to be useful in treating some kinds of diabetes and epilepsy. Sometimes people eliminate certain kinds of carbohydrates from their diet in order to put their body into ketosis, as a way of burning fat. Ketosis adds the medical -osis suffix, meaning "a state of disease," to ketone, the chemical name for the molecules produced by the liver during ketosis.

Example Sentences

Ketosis is often associated with increased urine production, further contributing to potential fluid loss, electrolyte imbalances and salt cravings.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2024

Ketosis is wonderful, but you can't just start taking ketones and expect to boost performance immediately.

From New York Times • Nov. 8, 2017

Ketosis just means having ketones in your blood.

From New York Times • Nov. 8, 2017