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.

Origin of denature

First recorded in 1675–85; de- + nature

OTHER WORDS FROM denature

de·na·tur·ant, noun de·na·tur·a·tion, noun

Example sentences 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 of denature

denaturant, noun denaturation, noun

Medical definitions for denature

denature
[ dē-nāchər ]

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.

Other words from denature

de•na′tur•ation n.

Scientific definitions for denature

denature
[ dē-nāchər ]

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.