acetone

American  

[as-i-tohn] / ˈæs ɪˌtoʊn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, volatile, water-soluble, flammable liquid, C 3 H 6 O, usually derived by oxidation of isopropyl alcohol or by bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates: used chiefly in paints and varnishes, as a general solvent, and in organic synthesis.

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acetone British  

/ ˈæsɪˌtəʊn, ˌæsɪˈtɒnɪk /

noun

1. Systematic name: propanone.  a colourless volatile flammable pungent liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of chemicals and as a solvent and thinner for paints, varnishes, and lacquers. Formula: CH 3 COCH 3

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acetone Scientific  

/ ăs′ĭ-tōn′ /

1. A colorless, volatile, extremely flammable liquid ketone that is widely used as a solvent, for example in nail-polish remover. Chemical formula: C ₃ H ₆ O.

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Other Word Forms

• acetonic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of acetone

First recorded in 1830–40; acet- + -one

Compare meaning

How does acetone compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• denatured alcohol vs. acetone

Example Sentences

Arm itself holds an effective interest of only 4.8% in Arm China, obtained through a 10% stake in an intermediate entity called Acetone, which owns 48% of the Chinese subsidiary.

From Reuters • Aug. 22, 2023

Acetone, which has been used in some experiments on animals, can reduce the skin barrier and dry it out, he said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 8, 2021

Though Acetone wouldn’t seem a likely band for such a treatment, the project makes a solid case for a historical update.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2017

Like kindred spirits Codeine, Low and Red House Painters, Acetone answered hard rock’s screaming volume with whispers.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2017

Acetone dissolves twenty-four times its own bulk of acetylene at ordinary atmospheric pressure.

From Oxy-Acetylene Welding and Cutting Electric, Forge and Thermit Welding together with related methods and materials used in metal working and the oxygen process for removal of carbon by Manly, Harold P. (Harold Phillips)