denature
[ dee-ney-cher ]
/ diˈneɪ tʃər /
verb (used with object), de·na·tured, de·na·tur·ing.
to deprive (something) of its natural character, properties, etc.
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.
RELATED WORDS
Nearby words
denarius, denary, denasalize, denationalize, denaturalize, denature, denatured alcohol, denaturize, denazify, denbighshire, dench
Related forms
de·na·tur·ant, nounde·na·tur·a·tion, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for denature
There is no way that the military establishment can denature human nature, and change this determining condition.
The Armed Forces Officer|U. S. Department of Defense
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
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
Medicine definitions for denature
denature
[ dē-nā′chər ]
v.
To change the nature or natural qualities of.
To render unfit to eat or drink without destroying usefulness in other applications, especially adding methyl alcohol to ethyl alcohol.
To alter the chemical structure of a protein, as with heat, alkali, or acid, so that some of its original properties, especially its biological activity, are diminished or eliminated.
Related forms
de•na′tur•a′tion n.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science 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.