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denature definition

de·na·ture (dē nā′c̸hər)

transitive verb denatured -·tured, denaturing -·tur·ing

  1. to change the nature of; take natural qualities away from
  2. to make (alcohol, etc.) unfit for human consumption without spoiling for other uses
  3. to change the structure of (a protein) by heat, acids, alkalies, etc., so that the original properties are greatly changed or eliminated
  4. to add a nonfissionable isotope to (a fissionable isotope) so that the mixture cannot be used in nuclear bombs but can still be used as fuel material

Etymology: ML denaturare: see de- & nature

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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medical denature definition - medical

denature Usage Examples

Preposition: at

  • temperature: Why do bacterial enzymes denature at a higher temperature to that of other types of enzymes?

Modifying Another Word

  • also: The sodium carbonate also denatures the phosphatase and stops the reaction.
  • thus: This technique uses radiofrequency waves to generate heat within the tumor nodule thus denaturing the protein elements of the tumor.
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MLA Style

"denature." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/denature>

APA Style

denature. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/denature

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