denature

verb

de·​na·​ture (ˌ)dē-ˈnā-chər How to pronounce denature (audio)
denatured; denaturing (ˌ)dē-ˈnā-ch(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce denature (audio)

transitive verb

1
2
: to deprive of natural qualities : change the nature of: such as
a
: to make (alcohol) unfit for drinking (as by adding an obnoxious substance) without impairing usefulness for other purposes
b
: to modify the molecular structure of (something, such as a protein or DNA) especially by heat, acid, alkali, or ultraviolet radiation so as to destroy or diminish some of the original properties and especially the specific biological activity
denaturant noun

Examples of denature in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Manufacturers put denatured alcohol in cosmetics because of its drying abilities. Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Sep. 2024 Making light of violence against women is part of her act, castrating its power, denaturing the sting. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 7 June 2024 Wine can be cleaned using shampoo and denatured alcohol. Samantha S. Thorpe, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2023 Whey proteins tend to denature a bit during pasteurization. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 20 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for denature 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'denature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of denature was in 1685

Dictionary Entries Near denature

Cite this Entry

“Denature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denature. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

denature

verb
de·​na·​ture (ˈ)dē-ˈnā-chər How to pronounce denature (audio)
denatured; denaturing -ˈnāch-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce denature (audio)
: to remove the natural qualities of: as
a
: to make (alcohol) unfit for drinking without taking away usefulness for other purposes
b
: to change the structure of (as a protein) so that the original properties are removed or diminished

Medical Definition

denature

verb
de·​na·​ture (ˈ)dē-ˈnā-chər How to pronounce denature (audio)
denatured; denaturing -ˈnāch-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce denature (audio)

transitive verb

: to deprive of natural qualities: as
a
: to make (alcohol) unfit for drinking (as by adding an obnoxious substance) without impairing usefulness for other purposes
b
: to modify the molecular structure of (as a protein or DNA) especially by heat, acid, alkali, or ultraviolet radiation so as to destroy or diminish some of the original properties and especially the specific biological activity

More from Merriam-Webster on denature

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