Definition

A clear, colorless liquid that easily evaporates and burns, commonly used as a solvent in various chemical processes.

Example

Acetone is commonly used in nail polish remover.

Conversation

I was trying to clean my brushes, and I ran out of acetone.

Oh no! That's the best solvent for that job.

I know! I didn't think I'd need more until next week.

You should grab some soon; it's really handy for all sorts of projects.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Acetone is derived from "acetum" (meaning vinegar) and the suffix "-one" (indicating a ketone). The word refers to a compound that is related to vinegar and is classified as a type of ketone.

Memory Tip

Think of 'vinegar' ('acetum') to remember that 'acetone' is a compound related to vinegar and is a type of ketone.

Visually Confused Words