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

Products with high amounts of acetone and alcohol can affect the sealant. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 May 2026

For me, this means quickly going over them with acetone and then applying a base coat, two color coats, and a top coat. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 22 June 2026

Both are gentler than acetone and won’t dry your nails and cuticles out as much, making this pot a great choice for those with sensitive skin. — Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Apr. 2026

However, unlike permanent solder, this new adhesive can be easily dissolved in an alkaline solution or a green solvent such as acetone. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026

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

Rhymes for acetone

• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone
• dithizone

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