denatured

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'denatured' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that means something has been changed or altered from its original form or state. Examples: 1. Denatured alcohol is used as a solvent in many cleaning products because it has been altered to make it non-drinkable. 2. The enzyme was denatured due to high temperatures, causing it to lose its ability to catalyze reactions. 3. The denatured DNA sample was no longer viable for testing, as its structure had been changed. 4. The artist denatured traditional painting techniques to create a unique and modern style. 5. The company's policies were denatured to adapt to changing market trends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can be crucial when dealing with fragile biomolecules such as proteins, peptides, stem cells and DNA molecules which are easily denatured or damaged when vaporised.

The Economist

The problem starts with overcoming the tendency for the proteins to become denatured by surface tension caused by contact with the chip.

The Economist

Thousands of crucial proteins can be denatured in just one experiment.

The Economist

Similarly, denatured proteins give more intense colour reactions for tyrosine, histidine, and arginine than do the same proteins in the native state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this technique, the protein is denatured (i.e., its higher structural features are destroyed) and combined with an excess of detergent, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The salting-out process is reversible because the protein is not denatured (i.e., irreversibly converted to an insoluble material) by the addition of such salts as sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, or ammonium sulfate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Sumatra and Java, whose populations were gradually converted to Islam from India during the 13th 16th centuries, the cult of the ancestors was revived and encouraged by Muslim rulers, with folk versions of denatured Hindu art adapted to it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When EEC production of a commodity exceeds EEC consumption, the authorities may purchase the commodity for storage, pay to have it processed for another use (e.g., wheat may be denatured and sold as a feed grain), or subsidize its export to countries outside the EEC.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this work the authors explained that protein molecules naturally coiled into specific configurations but became "denatured" (uncoiled) and assumed some random form once certain weak bonds were broken.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Beyond 77 °C (170 °F) proteins begin to lose structural integrity (i.e., they are completely denatured) and tenderness begins to improve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Proteins are denatured by treatment with alkaline or acid, oxidizing or reducing agents, and certain organic solvents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a change in proteins or enzymes, use "denatured" to specifically indicate a loss of their original structure and function. Avoid using more general terms like "changed" or "altered".

Common error

Avoid using "denatured" to describe something that is in its original, unaltered state. "Denatured" implies a deliberate change from the natural form, especially in scientific contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "denatured" is as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it has been altered from its original state. Ludwig examples show its usage with nouns like "proteins", "alcohol", and "colors". Ludwig AI confirms it as an adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "denatured" describes something altered from its original state, commonly used in scientific and general contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and functions primarily as an adjective. The frequency of "denatured" is very common, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. It's essential to use "denatured" accurately, especially in scientific writing, to denote a specific change in a molecule's structure or function. Remember that while "denatured" implies a significant alteration or loss of function, related terms like "altered" or "modified" may indicate more general or less drastic changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

altered

Focuses on a general change in form or character, without necessarily implying a loss of original qualities.

modified

Implies a specific change made to improve or adapt something for a particular purpose.

transformed

Suggests a more dramatic and fundamental change, often resulting in something entirely different.

degraded

Emphasizes a decline in quality or condition, often due to external factors.

corrupted

Indicates a loss of purity or integrity, often through contamination or decay.

unnatural

Suggests something deviating from its normal or expected state.

adulterated

Specifically refers to making something impure or inferior by adding extraneous substances.

processed

Implies a change through a series of actions or steps, often in a manufacturing context.

weakened

Emphasizes a reduction in strength or effectiveness.

impaired

Suggests a diminished ability to function properly.

FAQs

How is "denatured" used in science?

In science, particularly in biology and chemistry, "denatured" describes a molecule (like a protein or DNA) that has lost its original structure and function due to factors like heat, pH, or chemical exposure.

What's the difference between "denatured" and "altered"?

"Denatured" specifically implies a loss of original properties or structure, often in a negative or disruptive way. "Altered" is more general and simply means changed, without necessarily implying a loss of function.

What are some examples of "denatured alcohol" uses?

Denatured alcohol, which has additives to make it undrinkable, is commonly used as a solvent, fuel, and in some cleaning products. It's designed for industrial and laboratory applications, not for consumption.

Can proteins be "renatured" after being "denatured"?

In some cases, yes. Some proteins can "renature" or refold back into their original functional structure if the denaturing conditions are removed. However, this isn't always possible, and depends on the protein and the severity of the denaturing process.