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acetone

[ as-i-tohn ]
/ ˈæs ɪˌtoʊn /
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noun Chemistry.
a colorless, volatile, water-soluble, flammable liquid, C3H6O, 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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QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Also called dimethylketone.

Origin of acetone

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

OTHER WORDS FROM acetone

ac·e·ton·ic [as-i-ton-ik], /ˌæs ɪˈtɒn ɪk/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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British Dictionary definitions for acetone

acetone
/ (ˈæsɪˌtəʊn) /

noun
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 3Systematic name: propanone

Derived forms of acetone

acetonic (ˌæsɪˈtɒnɪk), adjective

Word Origin for acetone

C19: from German Azeton, from aceto- + -one
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for acetone

acetone
[ ăsĭ-tōn′ ]

A colorless, volatile, extremely flammable liquid ketone that is widely used as a solvent, for example in nail-polish remover. Chemical formula: C3H6O.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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