denature
verb
de·na·ture
(ˌ)dē-ˈnā-chər 
denatured; denaturing
(ˌ)dē-ˈnā-ch(ə-)riŋ
1
2
: to deprive of natural qualities : change the nature of: such as
a
: to make (alcohol) unfit for drinking (as by adding an obnoxious substance) without impairing usefulness for other purposes
b
: to modify the molecular structure of (something, such as a protein or DNA) especially by heat, acid, alkali, or ultraviolet radiation so as to destroy or diminish some of the original properties and especially the specific biological activity
: to become denatured
Examples of denature in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The latter were the products of artisans, who might denature naturalia by embedding specimens in lavish settings or might transform natural materials beyond recognition.
—
Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
In bread doughs, scalding milk can denature the milk proteins, which otherwise can weaken the gluten and prevent the bread from rising properly.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2024
Manufacturers put denatured alcohol in cosmetics because of its drying abilities.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Sep. 2024
Making light of violence against women is part of her act, castrating its power, denaturing the sting.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 7 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for denature
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Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
In bread doughs, scalding milk can denature the milk proteins, which otherwise can weaken the gluten and prevent the bread from rising properly.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2024
Manufacturers put denatured alcohol in cosmetics because of its drying abilities.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Sep. 2024
Making light of violence against women is part of her act, castrating its power, denaturing the sting.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 7 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for denature
Cite this Entry
“Denature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denature. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
denature
verb
de·na·ture
(ˈ)dē-ˈnā-chər
denatured; denaturing
-ˈnāch-(ə-)riŋ
: to remove the natural qualities of: as
a
: to make (alcohol) unfit for drinking without taking away usefulness for other purposes
b
: to change the structure of (as a protein) so that the original properties are removed or diminished
Medical Definition
denature
verb
de·na·ture
(ˈ)dē-ˈnā-chər
denatured; denaturing
-ˈnāch-(ə-)riŋ
: to deprive of natural qualities: as
a
: to make (alcohol) unfit for drinking (as by adding an obnoxious substance) without impairing usefulness for other purposes
b
: to modify the molecular structure of (as a protein or DNA) especially by heat, acid, alkali, or ultraviolet radiation so as to destroy or diminish some of the original properties and especially the specific biological activity
: to become denatured
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