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

Per the brand, start by trimming the builder extension (if applicable), then file off the top layer of top coat before soaking with acetone. —Karina Hoshikawa, Refinery29, 27 Oct. 2025

As acetone is recyclable and uncontaminated, the procedure permits full solvent recovery, promoting low-waste, environmentally friendly production. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025

Blot those with rubbing alcohol or acetone once determining this won't harm the fabric. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025

The listing photos for this East Village loft smell like the acetone that’s likely been spilled on the hardwood floors. —Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 22 Sep. 2025

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