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 /

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

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Etymology

Origin of acetone

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

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Compare meaning

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

• denatured alcohol vs. acetone

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

acetone

The bistrifluron study used acetone to dissolve the chemical before applying it to wood.

From Science Daily ● May 9, 2026

The acetone, which is used when releasing silver iodide particles from the ground, converts into water and carbon dioxide, a spokesperson for the agency said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2024

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

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 6, 2024

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

From BBC ● Jan. 24, 2023

This time she smells acetone Enrique’s Journey and hears the rustle of plastic.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario

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