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Denatured Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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denatured

[dษชหˆneษชสงษ™rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

chemistry process

Denatured refers to a substance, typically alcohol, that has been treated to alter its chemical structure, often making it unsuitable for consumption. This process is used to discourage recreational drinking and make the substance safer for use in industrial or laboratory applications.

Synonyms

altered, modified, treated.

Examples of usage

  • The denatured alcohol was used as a cleaning agent.
  • He bought denatured ethanol for his experiments.
  • Denatured proteins can no longer fulfill their biological functions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Denaturation is a common process in cooking; for instance, when eggs are whisked, their proteins change structure, making them fluffy.
  • In biological systems, denatured proteins cannot perform their original functions, which is why cooking food alters its nutritional properties.

Food & Beverage

  • Denatured alcohol is ethanol that has additives to make it undrinkable, ensuring it is used only for industrial purposes.
  • Denaturing proteins in food often improves digestibility or alters flavor, which is vital in food preparation.

Environmental Impact

  • The denaturation process can also relate to the effects of pollution on natural ecosystems, where the original condition of the environment is altered.
  • Industrial processes often denature substances to minimize environmental harm, transforming harmful chemicals into less dangerous forms.

Literature

  • In literary theory, denatured perspectives can symbolize how narratives change when they move between cultures, losing some original context.
  • Metaphorical denaturation can be found in stories that take traditional elements and alter them for modern retellings.

Origin of 'denatured'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'de-' means to remove, while 'nature' refers to the characteristics or qualities of something.
  • The term originated in the chemistry field in the late 19th century to describe proteins that have lost their natural structure.

The term 'denatured' comes from the prefix 'de-' which indicates removal or reversal and 'nature' which pertains to the chemical or biological pattern of a substance. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, methods of denaturing alcohols were developed to deter misuse, marking a shift in the policy around substances considered dangerous when consumed in an uncontrolled manner. The processes became standardized, leading to regulatory frameworks that recognize denatured alcohol as a legitimate product for industrial use, thus separating it from consumable spirits.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,654, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.