Acetone
/ˈæs.ɪ.toʊn/noun
A volatile, flammable solvent used in industry and household products, especially nail polish remover.
Did you know?Acetone’s name comes from acet- meaning “vinegar,” because early chemists first linked it to acetic acid before the modern solvent was understood.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
acetum
“vinegar”
Late Latin
Latin
acetum
“vinegar; sour liquid”
18th Century
French/Scientific Latin
acétone
“a chemical compound derived from acetic acid”
19th Century
German/International Scientific
Aceton
“the volatile solvent identified in chemistry”
Modern English
English
acetone
“the simplest ketone, a common industrial solvent”