(ˈ)dē, də̇+ verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: de- + nature (n.)
transitive verb
1. : to deprive of natural qualities or characteristics : change the nature of
a simplified but not denatured form of one of the world's existing major languages — I.A.Richards
2. : to so modify (a native protein) especially by heat, acid, alkali, or ultraviolet radiation that some of the original properties (as solubility and specific activity) no longer are present or present in the same degree owing to a change in molecular structure
3. : to add nonfissionable material to (fissionable material) so as to render unsuitable for use in an atomic bomb without processing but not to affect value as a source of atomic power
intransitive verb
: to become denatured — used especially of proteins