WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
de•na•ture
(dē nā′chər),USA pronunciation v.t., -tured, -tur•ing.
de•na′tur•ant, n.
de•na′tur•a′tion, n.
- to deprive (something) of its natural character, properties, etc.
- Chemistryto render (any of various alcohols) unfit for drinking by adding an unwholesome substance that does not alter usefulness for other purposes.
- Biochemistryto treat (a protein or the like) by chemical or physical means so as to alter its original state.
- Physicsto make (fissionable material) unsuitable for use in an atomic weapon by mixing it with unfissionable material.
- de- + nature 1675–85
de•na′tur•a′tion, n.
'denaturation' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):