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
Examples of acetone in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Throw it out when the liquid gets wispy (molding) or starts to smell like acetone (fermenting).
—
Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 28 June 2025
Soft gel manicures often have to be filed off the nail in combination with soaking the polish in acetone, which, if improperly done, can cause damage to the nail bed, making your nails thinner and more prone to breaking or chipping.
—Anna Bader, Glamour, 27 May 2025
This causes your breath to smell fruity or like acetone, which is a sign of a dangerous diabetes complication called diabetic ketoacidosis.7 See a healthcare provider immediately.
—Daniel Combs, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025
The Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico found trace amounts of the chemical solvent acetone in Hackman’s system, which indicates prolonged fasting, noted the report obtained by The Associated Press.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025
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Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 28 June 2025
Soft gel manicures often have to be filed off the nail in combination with soaking the polish in acetone, which, if improperly done, can cause damage to the nail bed, making your nails thinner and more prone to breaking or chipping.
—Anna Bader, Glamour, 27 May 2025
This causes your breath to smell fruity or like acetone, which is a sign of a dangerous diabetes complication called diabetic ketoacidosis.7 See a healthcare provider immediately.
—Daniel Combs, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025
The Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico found trace amounts of the chemical solvent acetone in Hackman’s system, which indicates prolonged fasting, noted the report obtained by The Associated Press.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acetone
Cite this Entry
“Acetone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acetone. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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