From late 14c. as fence of pointed stakes; figurative sense of limit, boundary, restriction is from c.1400. Barely surviving in beyond the pale and similar phrases. Meaning the part of Ireland under English rule is from 1540s, via sense of territory held by power of a nation or people (mid-15c.). pale
A ketone test checks for ketones in your blood or urine. Ketones are substances that are made when the body breaks down fat for energy. Normally, your body gets the energy it needs from carbohydrate in your diet.
How do the ketone test strips work, and where can I get them? Ketone urine-testing strips, also called Ketostix or just ketone sticks ... are small plastic strips that have a little absorptive pad on the end. This contains a special chemical that will change colour in the presence of ketones in the urine.