This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
denature
[ dee-ney-cher ]
/ diˈneɪ tʃər /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object), de·na·tured, de·na·tur·ing.
to render (any of various alcohols) unfit for drinking by adding an unwholesome substance that does not alter usefulness for other purposes.
Biochemistry. to treat (a protein or the like) by chemical or physical means so as to alter its original state.
to make (fissionable material) unsuitable for use in an atomic weapon by mixing it with unfissionable material.
to deprive (something) of its natural character, properties, etc.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
OTHER WORDS FROM denature
de·na·tur·ant [dee-ney-cher-uhnt], /diˈneɪ tʃər ənt/, nounde·na·tur·a·tion [dee-ney-chuh-rey-shuhn], /diˌneɪ tʃəˈreɪ ʃən/, nounWords nearby denature
denary, denasalize, denationalize, denaturalize, denaturation, denature, denatured alcohol, denaturize, denazify, Denbighshire, Den Bosch
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use denature in a sentence
You’re still denaturing the proteins, but whisking helps by adding air into the mixture.
Your food could be better if you salted it at the right time|Maggie Galloway|February 10, 2022|Popular-ScienceI 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.
Stop talking about AI ethics. It’s time to talk about power.|Karen Hao|April 23, 2021|MIT Technology ReviewThere is no way that the military establishment can denature human nature, and change this determining condition.
The Armed Forces Officer|U. S. Department of DefenseNell always bore her losses good-denature, and obtained satisfaction occasionally by plundering Halse and me.
When Life Was Young|C. A. Stephens
British Dictionary definitions for denature
denature
denaturize or denaturise (diːˈneɪtʃəˌraɪz)
/ (diːˈneɪtʃə) /
verb (tr)
to change the nature of
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
to render (something, such as ethanol) unfit for consumption by adding nauseous substances
to render (fissile material) unfit for use in nuclear weapons by addition of an isotope
Derived forms of denature
denaturant, noundenaturation, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for denature
denature
[ dē-nā′chər ]
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.
To cause the paired strands of DNA to separate into individual strands.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.