acetone

noun

ac·​e·​tone ˈa-sə-ˌtōn How to pronounce acetone (audio)
: a volatile fragrant flammable liquid ketone C3H6O used chiefly as a solvent and in organic synthesis and found in abnormal quantities in diabetic urine
acetonic adjective

Examples of acetone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This involves soaking the plant in acetone, straining it, and allowing the acetone to evaporate. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2024 Do not use acetone, paint thinner, or lacquer thinner on vinyl fencing, as these substances can damage the fence material. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024 By early evening, authorities deemed the building safe for normal use after determining the source of the smell was a bottle of acetone left behind by painters. Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 Erasing Household Stains Nail polish remover—in particular pure acetone—is a favorite multitasking stain removal agent for Chantelle Hartman Malarkey. Barbara Bellesi Zito, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acetone 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French acétone, from (esprit pyro-)acétique, literally, "pyro-acetic spirit," an earlier name for acetone + -one -one

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acetone was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near acetone

Cite this Entry

“Acetone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acetone. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

acetone

noun
ac·​e·​tone ˈas-ə-ˌtōn How to pronounce acetone (audio)
: an easily evaporated fragrant flammable liquid compound used chiefly to dissolve or to make chemical compounds

Medical Definition

acetone

noun
ac·​e·​tone ˈas-ə-ˌtōn How to pronounce acetone (audio)
: a volatile fragrant flammable liquid ketone C3H6O used chiefly as a solvent and in organic synthesis and found in abnormal quantities in diabetic urine

called also propanone

acetonic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on acetone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!