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

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

From Science Daily • May 9, 2026

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 • Feb. 28, 2025

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

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

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario