acetone

(as′ĕ-tōn″)

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[aceto- + -one]
Dimethyl ketone, C3H6O, a colorless, volatile solvent produced by the body in excessive amounts in diabetic ketoacidosis, alcoholic ketoacidosis, and starvation. It has a sweet, fruity odor and is found in the blood and urine of diabetics, in those with other metabolic disorders, and after lengthy fasting. It is produced when fats are metabolized for their stored energy, in place of sugars, because of insufficient insulin.
SEE: ketone; SEE: ketonuria; SEE: ketosis; SEE: test, acetone

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