denature

• Verbe utilisé pour décrire le processus de modification de la structure ou des propriétés naturelles d'une substance, en particulier d'une protéine ou d'un acide nucléique, généralement sous l'effet de la chaleur, de l'acidité ou d'un traitement chimique.

A verb used to describe the process of altering the natural structure or properties of a substance, especially a protein or nucleic acid, typically through heat, acidity, or chemical treatment.

1. Modify fissionable materialC2formalscientific

   To add nonfissionable material to fissionable material, making it unsuitable for use in an atomic bomb.

   Dénaturer (matière fissile)

   • The uranium was denatured to prevent its use in weapons.
   • They denatured the plutonium by mixing it with other elements.
   • Denaturing fissile materials is a key step in non-proliferation efforts.

   Antonymesenrich

2. Alter protein structureC1formalscientific

   To modify a native protein, typically by heat, acid, alkali, or ultraviolet radiation, so that its original properties are lost or reduced.

   Dénaturer (une protéine)

   • Heating the egg white denatures the albumin protein.
   • The enzyme was denatured by the strong acid.
   • UV radiation can denature DNA in living cells.

   Synonymesunfold

3. Make alcohol undrinkableB2formaltechnical

   To add substances to alcohol to make it unfit for drinking while retaining its usefulness for other purposes, such as cleaning or fuel.

   dénaturer (l'alcool)

   • Industrial ethanol is denatured to avoid alcohol taxes.
   • They denatured the methanol with a bitter additive.
   • Denatured alcohol is commonly used as a solvent.