1. to change the natural properties of a protein or other biological substance, typically by heat, acid, or other chemical treatment
Usage: scientific/biochemical
2. to add a substance to alcohol to make it unfit for drinking
Usage: technical

Examples

• High temperatures will denature the proteins in eggs, causing them to coagulate.
• The laboratory heated the enzyme solution to denature the proteins.
• Alcohol used in cleaning products is denatured to prevent consumption.
• The acid solution denatured the DNA sample.
• Industrial alcohol is denatured with methanol to make it toxic.
• Cooking denatures many of the proteins in meat.
• The government requires companies to denature ethanol used in fuel.