The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
acetone \ac"e*tone\ ([a^]s"[-e]*t[=o]n), 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]
Note: The term was once also applied to a number of bodies of
similar constitution, more frequently called ketones.
See Ketone.
[1913 Webster +PJC]