acetone Definition
a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid that is the simplest and smallest ketone, used as a solvent and in nail polish remover and other cosmetic and medical applications.
Using acetone: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "acetone" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Acetone is commonly used as a solvent in laboratories.
Example
Nail polish remover typically contains acetone.
Example
Acetone is also used in the manufacture of plastics and fibers.
Phrases with acetone
a fruity or sweet odor on the breath that can indicate high levels of acetone in the blood, often associated with diabetes or other metabolic disorders
Example
Her acetone breath was a sign that her diabetes was not well-controlled.
a type of ketone body produced by the liver during periods of fasting or low carbohydrate intake, which can be used as an energy source by the brain and other organs
Example
The presence of acetone bodies in the urine can indicate that the body is using fat for energy instead of glucose.
a method of preserving biological specimens by immersing them in acetone, which dehydrates the tissue and prevents decay
Example
The acetone fixation process is commonly used in histology to prepare tissue samples for microscopy.
Origins of acetone
from French 'acétone', from Latin 'acetum' meaning 'vinegar'
Summary: acetone in Brief
'Acetone' [ˈæsɪtoʊn] is a colorless, flammable liquid that is the simplest and smallest ketone. It is commonly used as a solvent in laboratories and in cosmetic and medical applications such as nail polish remover. 'Acetone' extends into phrases like 'acetone breath,' which can indicate high levels of acetone in the blood, and 'acetone body,' which is a type of ketone body produced by the liver during periods of fasting or low carbohydrate intake.
