denature

[dee-ney-cher]

verb (used with object)

denatured, denaturing 

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

/ diːˈneɪtʃəˌraɪz, diːˈneɪtʃə /

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

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.

Other Word Forms

• denaturant noun
• denaturation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of denature¹

First recorded in 1675–85; de- + nature

Example Sentences

It is thought that acids in the stomach denature the virus, said Michael Imperiale, a microbiologist and immunologist at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

However, when further testing was conducted — virus isolation — they were able to show it was inactivated virus that had been denatured by heat.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Now that most of the paint is gone, spray the chair with denatured alcohol and scrub with more steel wool to clean off any residue.

Read more on Seattle Times

To manufacture the sponge, Mohammad Peydayesh, a senior scientist in Mezzenga's Group, and his colleagues denatured whey proteins under acidic conditions and high temperatures, so that they aggregated into protein nanofibrils in a gel.

Read more on Science Daily

First, denatured alcohol and odorless mineral spirits are different things.

Read more on Washington Post

Related Words

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