ˈasəˌtōn, ˈaas- noun
( -s )
Etymology: German azeton, from azet- acet- + -on -one
: a volatile fragrant flammable liquid ketone CH 3 COCH 3 occurring in pyroligneous acid, made by dehydrogenation of isopropyl alcohol or by bacterial fermentation (as of molasses or corn mash), and used chiefly as a solvent (as for cellulose acetate or cellulose nitrate) and in organic synthesis — called also dimethyl ketone, propanone ; see ketone body