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

He is trained to identify the presence of up to 10 flammable liquids, such as acetone and petrol, and has recently been working in the community on fire safety and prevention.

From BBC

The video claims that the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority “boasts about blasting cancer-linked silver iodide mixed with acetone.”

From Los Angeles Times

I use acetone to remove the finish, and I can see how much plastic makeup has been applied to the leather.

From Seattle Times

And there are hints too of chemical species with multiple carbon atoms, such as acetone, ethanol, and acetaldehyde.

From BBC

I have had good luck with isopropyl alcohol and pure acetone, but a professional may know the best process to use.

From Washington Post