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• keto
  keto

  adjective

  of or derived from a ketone.
• keto-
  keto-

  a combining form representing ketone in compound words.

keto

¹ American  

[kee-toh] / ˈki toʊ /

adjective

Chemistry.

1. of or derived from a ketone.

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keto- ² American  

1. a combining form representing ketone in compound words.

   ketolysis.

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keto- British  

combining form

1. indicating that a chemical compound is a ketone or is derived from a ketone

   ketose

   ketoxime

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Usage

What does keto mean? Keto is short for ketogenic, referring to a diet that is low in carbohydrates but high in protein. While originating as a medical diet, it's popularly associated with weight loss.

Etymology

Origin of keto

First recorded in 1910–15; independent use of keto-

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

keto keto-

I had a keto diet for most of this tour, and I thought that when I got back to carbs, I’d be more in moderation with it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 11, 2025

These people probably enjoy Ironman competitions, keto and intermittent fasting.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 7, 2025

"By switching to a keto diet, ketones are produced and used as an alternative fuel source. This may decrease the chance of developing Alzheimer's by preserving the health of brain cells."

From Science Daily ● Oct. 21, 2025

You have to do keto but also be vegan.

From Slate ● Jan. 1, 2025

There was no questioning of the decision to put guanine and thymine in the keto form.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

Olive oil is gluten-free as well as keto- and paleo-friendly too.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 19, 2021

Dry Farm Wines, the biggest distributor of natural wine in the U.S., markets the bottles it sells through mail-order subscriptions as sugar-free, mycotoxin-free, lab-tested, and paleo-, keto-, and low-carb-friendly.

From The New Yorker ● Nov. 18, 2019