acetone

noun

ac·​e·​tone ˈa-sə-ˌtōn 

: a volatile fragrant flammable liquid ketone C₃H₆O used chiefly as a solvent and in organic synthesis and found in abnormal quantities in diabetic urine

acetonic

ˌa-sə-ˈtä-nik 

adjective

Examples of acetone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Normally, our bodies handle acetone production well. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 Aug. 2024

Safety Precautions to Protect You and the Painted Surface When working with paint thinner, acetone, paint remover, and other toxic substances, take proper precautions to stay safe. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2024

While gel usually takes 15-20 minutes of acetone polish to remove, Green Flash only took about two minutes to remove. —Karina Hoshikawa, refinery29.com, 24 July 2024

Meanwhile, frequent exposure to cleaning products, acetone, and other harsh chemicals can weaken and damage nails. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 11 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French acétone, from (esprit pyro-)acétique, literally, "pyro-acetic spirit," an earlier name for acetone + -one -one

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

acetone

noun

ac·​e·​tone ˈas-ə-ˌtōn 

: an easily evaporated fragrant flammable liquid compound used chiefly to dissolve or to make chemical compounds

Medical Definition

acetone

noun

ac·​e·​tone ˈas-ə-ˌtōn 

: a volatile fragrant flammable liquid ketone C₃H₆O used chiefly as a solvent and in organic synthesis and found in abnormal quantities in diabetic urine

called also propanone

acetonic

ˌas-ə-ˈtän-ik 

adjective