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
ˌa-sə-ˈtä-nik How to pronounce acetone (audio)
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.
Improperly Drying Flammable Items Drying clothes stained with any type of chemical stains such as gasoline, paint thinner, or acetone is a hazard. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 2 Aug. 2026 If a stain happens, never use nail polish remover or acetone to try and remove it, as these can damage your floors permanently. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 For me, this means quickly going over them with acetone and then applying a base coat, two color coats, and a top coat. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 22 June 2026 However, unlike permanent solder, this new adhesive can be easily dissolved in an alkaline solution or a green solvent such as acetone. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026 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

Rhymes for acetone

See All Rhymes for acetone

Browse Nearby Words

acetonate
acetone
acetone chloroform
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acetone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acetone. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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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
ˌas-ə-ˈtän-ik How to pronounce acetone (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on acetone

Nglish: Translation of acetone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acetone

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