(n)the simplest ketone; a highly inflammable liquid widely used as an organic solvent and as material for making plastics, Syn.propanone, dimethyl ketone
(n)a ketone that is an intermediate product of the breakdown of fats in the body; any of three compounds (acetoacetic acid, acetone, and/or beta-hydroxybutyric acid) found in excess in blood and urine of persons with metabolic disorders, Syn.acetone body
‖ n. [ NL. See Acetone; Hæma-. ] (Med.) A morbid condition characterized by the presence of ketone bodies (including acetone, acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid) in the blood, as in diabetes. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. + AS ]
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 ]
n. [ Pref. met- + acetone. ] (Chem.) A colorless liquid of an agreeable odor, C6H10O, obtained by distilling a mixture of sugar and lime; -- so called because formerly regarded as a polymeric modification of acetone. [ 1913 Webster ]