acetone
AS-ih-tohn
/ˈæsɪtoʊn/
A colorless, volatile, flammable liquid ketone used as an organic solvent, primarily to remove nail polish.
Acetone is a highly effective solvent but can be very drying to the skin and nails compared to non-acetone alternatives.
The story behind the word. Acetone was first produced in the 19th century by distilling lead acetate. Its name was derived from the Latin 'acetum', meaning vinegar, combined with the chemical suffix '-one' to denote its status as a ketone.
Word relationships
- solvent: Solvent is a general term for any substance that dissolves a solute, while acetone is a specific chemical compound.
Commonly confused with
- ethyl acetate: Ethyl acetate is the active ingredient in non-acetone nail polish removers, which is gentler but slower-acting than acetone.
Word family
- acetonic (adjective): Relating to or containing acetone.
Collocations
- acetone remover
- pure acetone
- acetone-free
- soak in acetone
Example sentences
- "To remove acrylic nails safely, you must soak them in pure acetone to dissolve the plastic." An instructional guide on removing gel nail extensions safely at home.
Memory hook
ACETone is like an ACID-tone that eats away and dissolves nail polish. Dissolves polish instantly.
When not to use
Do not use acetone as a general skin cleanser, as it is a harsh industrial solvent that strips natural oils.
Fun facts
- Acetone is naturally produced in the human body as a byproduct of metabolism, especially during ketosis.
- It is so powerful that it can easily dissolve certain types of plastics, including polystyrene cups.
Explore more words
keratin, flammable, correction fluid, depilatory, degreaser, retinol
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