denature
/diˈneɪtʃər/
verb
- To change the natural qualities or structure of something, especially a protein or DNA, often by heat, chemicals, or other processes.
- The scientist used a strong acid to denature the DNA for the experiment.
- High temperatures can denature enzymes, making them stop working.
- Heating an egg denatures the protein in the white, causing it to turn solid.
- To make alcohol unfit for drinking by adding a poisonous or unpleasant substance, usually for industrial or cleaning purposes.
- The lab uses denatured alcohol to clean equipment because it is cheaper than pure ethanol.
- They denature the alcohol with a bitter chemical to prevent people from drinking it.
- Factories often denature ethanol so it can be used as a solvent without being taxed as a beverage.
Antonyms