denaturation

American  

[dee-ney-chuh-rey-shuhn] / diˌneɪ tʃəˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of rendering an alcohol unfit for drinking by adding an unwholesome substance that does not alter its usefulness for other purposes.

   New legislation made the denaturation of industrial alcohol compulsory.

2. Biochemistry. the act or process of altering the original state of a protein or the like through chemical or physical means.

   Acid and heat both cause a denaturation of protein, breaking bonds in the protein’s secondary and tertiary structure.

3. the act or process of depriving something of its natural character or properties.

   Totalitarianism emerges from the denaturation of religion and politics.

---

Etymology

Origin of denaturation

denatur(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

Denaturation is often reversible because the primary structure of the polypeptide is conserved in the process if the denaturing agent is removed, allowing the protein to resume its function.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Denaturation is a change in the structure of a molecule through physical or chemical means.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Denaturation is often reversible because the primary structure is preserved if the denaturing agent is removed, allowing the protein to resume its function.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013