methyl ethyl ketone

noun

: a flammable liquid compound C4H8O similar to acetone and used chiefly as a solvent
abbreviation MEK

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The use of methyl ethyl ketone had increased scores so much that rules were put in place mandating a degree of coverstock hardness as measured by a device known as a Shore durometer. Brendan I. Koerner, Wired, 27 May 2021 In the early 1970s, several pros had enjoyed great success by soaking their balls in methyl ethyl ketone, a flammable solvent that softened the coverstocks. Brendan I. Koerner, Wired, 27 May 2021 Less than six months later, in February 2004, a leak in a heat exchanger at Sarnia's Imperial Oil discharged cooling water to the St. Clair River contaminated with two potentially harmful chemicals, methyl ethyl ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone. Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press, 3 Oct. 2017

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

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of methyl ethyl ketone was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near methyl ethyl ketone

Cite this Entry

“Methyl ethyl ketone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methyl%20ethyl%20ketone. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

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