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acetone

[ as-i-tohn ]

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.


acetone

/ ˈæsɪˌtəʊn; ˌæsɪˈtɒnɪk /

noun

  1. 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 Systematic namepropanone
“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


acetone

/ ăsĭ-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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Derived Forms

  • acetonic, adjective
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Other Words From

  • ac·e·ton·ic [as-i-, ton, -ik], adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of acetone1

First recorded in 1830–40; acet- + -one
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Word History and Origins

Origin of acetone1

C19: from German Azeton, from aceto- + -one
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Compare Meanings

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

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Example Sentences

Just as abrasive surfaces can ruin your TV, so can abrasive chemicals like acetone, ammonia, and alcohol—they can eat away the plastic.

Like, “Let’s do biofuel, let’s do huge feed, let’s make acetone.”

Brown was then sent home with acetone and a rinse, which her sister then used to try and help remove the glue.

She was sent home with sterilizing water and acetone wipes — commonly used for removing nail polish.

She adds that the fire was set using gasoline, whereas the fires after were all set using acetone.

Van Ronk described how when visiting Asch he would put on his “Folkways suit,” a filthy jacket that smelled of acetone.

Acetone is derived from decomposition of diacetic acid, and this in turn from beta-oxybutyric acid by oxidation.

Diacetic acid occurs in the same conditions as acetone, but is less frequent and has more serious significance.

Neutral volatile substances—ethyl alcohol, aldehyde, acetone.

More accurate investigations enabled him to identify these substances with acetone compounds.

What comes over in the form of vapour is a mixture of water, acetone and wood spirit.

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