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

Blot those with rubbing alcohol or acetone once determining this won’t harm the fabric. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026

The piece was glued on with a medical adhesive, and the edges were blended off with acetone. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026

Improperly Drying Flammable Items Drying clothes stained with any type of chemical stains such as gasoline, paint thinner, or acetone is a hazard. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 2 Aug. 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

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