denature
/ˌdiːˈneɪ.tʃə(r)/ IELTSAcademic
verb
- 1.
To change the natural form or properties of a substance, especially a protein, so it no longer works normally. Heat, acid, or chemicals can denature it.
- Heat can denature proteins in food.
- Alcohol can denature a liquid.
- 2.
To alter something so much that it loses its original nature or purpose. This is often used in science, and sometimes in a wider, formal way.
- The process denatured the material.
- The policy denatured the original idea.
Adinary Nuance
Denature is more specific than change or alter. It usually means a natural substance has been damaged or changed so it no longer behaves normally. In science, it is stronger and more technical than transform, and it often suggests loss of function. Writers choose it when the original nature is important.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- biến tính
- Spanish
- desnaturalizar
- Chinese
- 变性
- Japanese
- 変性させる
- Korean
- 변성시키다
Etymology
Denature comes from French dénaturer, from Latin natura meaning 'nature'. It entered English in the 19th century, mainly in scientific writing.
Common phrases
denatured alcoholdenature a proteinheat-denatured
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is denature only used in science?
- Mostly, yes. It is common in biology, chemistry, and technical writing.
- What is the difference between denature and damage?
- Damage is general. Denature means a substance changes shape or properties and stops working normally.
- Can I use denature in everyday English?
- You can, but it sounds formal and technical. In daily speech, people often say change or damage.