acetone

n. [ See Acetic. ] (Chem.) A volatile liquid (CH3.CO.CH3); pyroacetic spirit; methyl ketone; -- obtained by fermentation, the distillation of certain acetates, or by the destructive distillation of citric acid, starch, sugar, or gum, with quicklime. It is commonly used as a solvent. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

☞ The term was once also applied to a number of bodies of similar constitution, more frequently called ketones. See Ketone. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]