acetophenone

[ uh-see-toh-fuh-nohn, as-i-toh- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless liquid, C 8 H 8 O, having a sweet odor: used chiefly as a scent in the manufacture of perfume.

Word History and Origins

Origin of acetophenone¹

First recorded in 1870–75; aceto- + phen(o)- + -one

Example Sentences

The chemical acetophenone — which to humans smells like orange blossom — may be that lure.

From Science News