acetone

noun ac·e·tone \ ˈa-sə-ˌtōn \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of acetone

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

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acetonic

play \ˌa-sə-ˈtä-nik\ adjective

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Recent Examples of acetone from the Web

Some keto adherents also report having pretty atrocious breath, which might be caused by the presence of acetone, a ketone and by-product of fat metabolism, in exhaled breath.

— daniel schultz, ms, SELF, "Here’s What You Should Know Before Going on the Keto Diet," 16 Apr. 2018
The attackers in Brussels likely purchased acetone without raising suspicion.

— marwa eltagouri, chicagotribune.com, "Wisconsin man who blew himself up might have been white supremacist making ISIS-style bombs," 14 Apr. 2018
There were 40 gallons of acetone in the apartment of the suspected bomber.

— marwa eltagouri, Washington Post, "Wisconsin man who blew himself up might have been white supremacist making ISIS-style bombs," 13 Apr. 2018
My Nightmoves cocktail — with rum, Cynar, vermouth and black walnut bitters — tasted, frankly, like acetone smells (not great).

— New York Times, "At a Denver Hotel, Art, Yoga Mats and Loaner Bikes," 7 Apr. 2018
Clean striping brush with acetone, dip in black polish, then add a oblong oval—this is the pupil—in the center of each patch of color.

— hannah morrill, Harper's BAZAAR, "4 DIY Halloween Nail Art Ideas You Need to Try," 23 Sep. 2016
File off the top layer of your polish, then place a cotton ball soaked in pure acetone on top of each of your nails.

— kelsey stiegman, Seventeen, "How to Remove Gel Nail Polish Yourself," 28 Dec. 2017
Unsurprisingly, hard gels are way more damaging than soft gels, although even soak-off gels will likely cause some issues from the 10-minute (or more!) acetone soak.

— chloe metzger, Marie Claire, "Okay, Are Gel Manicures *Actually* Bad for Your Nails, or Is Life a Lie?," 8 Feb. 2018
Caution: Do not use acetone on fabrics containing acetate or triacetate (as many synthetic fabrics do).

— lauren smith, Good Housekeeping, "How to Get Nail Polish Out of Clothes and More," 7 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'acetone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of acetone

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1837

in the meaning defined above

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Medical Dictionary

acetone

noun ac·e·tone \ ˈas-ə-ˌtōn \

medical Definition of acetone

: 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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