denaturant
/diːˈneɪtʃərənt/
noun
- A substance added to another substance (such as alcohol) to make it unfit for human consumption, often for tax or safety reasons.
- Manufacturers add a denaturant to rubbing alcohol so it cannot be consumed.
- Methanol is commonly used as a denaturant in industrial alcohol.
- The denaturant gives the ethanol a bitter taste to prevent people from drinking it.
- A chemical agent that causes a protein or other biological molecule to lose its natural structure and function.
- The lab uses a strong denaturant to break down the proteins in the sample.
- Certain detergents serve as a denaturant for enzymes in cleaning products.
- Heat acts as a denaturant, causing the egg white to turn solid when cooked.