denature (redirected from denatures)

de·na·ture  (d-nchr)

tr.v. de·na·tured, de·na·tur·ing, de·na·tures

1. To change the nature or natural qualities of.

2. To render unfit to eat or drink without destroying usefulness in other applications, especially to add methanol to (ethyl alcohol).

3. Biochemistry

a. 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.

b. To cause the paired strands of (double-stranded DNA) to separate into individual single strands.

4. Physics To add nonfissionable matter to (fissionable material) so as to prevent use in an atomic weapon.

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de·natur·ant n.

de·natur·ation n.

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denature

Verb

[-turing, -tured]

1. to change the nature of

2. to make (alcohol) unfit to drink by adding another substance

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denature  (d-nchr)

1. 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.

2. To cause the paired strands of DNA to separate into individual strands.

Thesaurus

Verb	1.	denature - add nonfissionable material to (fissionable material) so as to make unsuitable for use in an atomic bomb alter, change, modify - cause to change; make different; cause a transformation; "The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city"; "The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue"
	2.	denature - modify (as a native protein) especially by heat, acid, alkali, or ultraviolet radiation so that all of the original properties are removed or diminished alter, change, modify - cause to change; make different; cause a transformation; "The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city"; "The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue"
	3.	denature - make (alcohol) unfit for drinking without impairing usefulness for other purposes alter, change, modify - cause to change; make different; cause a transformation; "The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city"; "The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue"