Denatured Meaning in English
word
Definition
Changed from its natural state, often by a chemical or physical process. Commonly used to describe alcohol that has had chemicals added to it so it cannot be consumed, or proteins that have changed shape due to heat or chemicals.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used in scientific and technical contexts. 'Denatured alcohol' is common; it means alcohol made unsafe to drink. With proteins, 'denatured' means the structure is changed and won't work as before. Rarely used in everyday conversation.
Example Sentences
The scientist used denatured alcohol in the experiment.
basic
When heated too much, the protein became denatured.
basic
You cannot drink denatured alcohol; it is poisonous.
basic
Egg whites turn denatured when you cook them—notice how they go from clear to white?
natural
All that hand sanitizer contains denatured alcohol to stop people from drinking it.
natural
Once something is denatured, it usually can’t return to how it was before.
natural