denature

Verb

• add nonfissionable material to (fissionable material) so as to make unsuitable for use in an atomic bomb
• modify (as a native protein) especially by heat, acid, alkali, or ultraviolet radiation so that all of the original properties are removed or diminished
• make (alcohol) unfit for drinking without impairing usefulness for other purposes
• To take away a natural characteristic or inherent property of (a thing or a person).
• To add something to (alcohol) that makes it unsuitable for consumption but leaves it suitable for most other purposes.
• To alter its original form or state, especially of a protein, by heat, acidity etc.
• Of double-stranded DNA, specifically to split into two single strands.
• To combine fissile material with nonfissile material in order to prevent its use in an atomic weapon.
• -TURED, -TURING, -TURES to deprive of natural qualities

Examples

• "While you cannot drink denatured alcohol, you can still use it to remove sticker glue from most surfaces."

Synonyms

denaturalize

Antonyms

renature