Mesityl Oxide Definition

mĕsĭ-tĭl

noun

A colorless oily liquid ketone, C₆ H₁₀ O, having a honey-like odor, obtained from acetones and used as a solvent and in lacquers, paints, and varnishes.

American Heritage

(chemistry) An α,β-unsaturated ketone, a colourless volatile liquid with a strong peppermint odour.

Wiktionary

Origin of Mesityl Oxide

Greek mesītēs mediator (from its use as an intermediate in organic synthesis) (from mesos middle meso–) –yl

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition