denature

[ dee-ney-cher ]

verb (used with object)

, de·na·tured, de·na·tur·ing.

1. to render (any of various alcohols) unfit for drinking by adding an unwholesome substance that does not alter usefulness for other purposes.
2. Biochemistry. to treat (a protein or the like) by chemical or physical means so as to alter its original state.
3. to make (fissionable material) unsuitable for use in an atomic weapon by mixing it with unfissionable material.
4. to deprive (something) of its natural character, properties, etc.

denature

/ diːˈneɪtʃə; diːˈneɪtʃəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to change the nature of
2. to change (a protein) by chemical or physical means, such as the action of acid or heat, to cause loss of solubility, biological activity, etc
3. to render (something, such as ethanol) unfit for consumption by adding nauseous substances
4. to render (fissile material) unfit for use in nuclear weapons by addition of an isotope

denature

/ dē-nā′chər /

1. To cause the tertiary structure of a protein to unfold, as with heat, alkali, or acid, so that some of its original properties, especially its biological activity, are diminished or eliminated.
2. To cause the paired strands of DNA to separate into individual strands.

Derived Forms

• deˈnaturant, noun
• deˌnaturˈation, noun

Other Words From

• de·na·tur·ant [dee-, ney, -cher-, uh, nt], noun
• de·na·tur·a·tion [dee-ney-ch, uh, -, rey, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of denature¹

First recorded in 1675–85; de- + nature

Example Sentences

You’re still denaturing the proteins, but whisking helps by adding air into the mixture.

From Popular-Science

I hope it’s going to be a lot harder to have these cul-de-sac conversations where terms like “ethics” and “AI for good” have been so completely denatured of any actual meaning.

From MIT Technology Review

There is no way that the military establishment can denature human nature, and change this determining condition.

From Project Gutenberg

Nell always bore her losses good-denature, and obtained satisfaction occasionally by plundering Halse and me.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alter
• convert
• mold
• mutate
• reconstruct
• remodel
• revamp
• revolutionize
• transfer
• translate