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 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. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2024 In the complaint, obtained by TechCrunch, Tesla allegedly improperly labeled and disposed of materials such as lead acid batteries and other batteries, paints, brake fluid, aerosols, antifreeze, acetone, diesel fuel, and more at its production and service facilities across California. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2024 It’s made without acetone or alcohol, and it’s enriched with Vitamins A, C, and E, adding a bit of nourishment to your nail polish routine. Talia Connor, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2024 Repeat the acetone action with a clean cotton ball and paper towel. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2023 And that danger was more acute on account of my intent to be fair, ethical, moral — no stretching my dope with acetone, propane or extra baking soda nor shorting customers grams; no plotting how to strong-arm somebody else’s dope or stash. Mitchell S. Jackson, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023 Carefully take your cotton ball and blot or dab the area (do not smear) with acetone. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2023 The players left the court while a dozen police officers attempted to remove the man’s bare feet from the ground, ultimately freeing them with acetone. Marek Makowski, The New Republic, 9 Sep. 2023 For example, Smith prefers soaking her clients' fingers in a glass bowl of acetone that has been warmed up for 10 seconds. Sabrina Talbert, Women's Health, 13 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acetone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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

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