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 survey detected dozens of molecules, including relatively simple ones such as silicon monoxide as well as more complex organic compounds like methanol, acetone or ethanol.

From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2026

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

And there are hints too of chemical species with multiple carbon atoms, such as acetone, ethanol, and acetaldehyde.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2023

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

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario