denature
UK[ˌdiːˈneɪtʃə]US[ˌdiːˈneɪtʃər]
v
to change the natural qualities of a substance, especially a protein, by heat, acid, or other means, so that its original properties are lost or diminished.
v
to make alcohol unfit for drinking by adding another substance.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
nature
de
down from, off, away, completely,
nature
Etymology
the word 'denature' is a modern scientific formation, constructed from latin-derived elements in english. the prefix 'de-' carries its classical sense of reversal or removal, while 'nature' retains its core meaning of inherent, essential qualities. the term was coined in the late 19th century, primarily in biochemistry, to logically describe the process of stripping a protein or other complex molecule of its native, functional structure. thus, the literal "removal of nature" elegantly captures the concept of depriving a substance of its characteristic, innate properties through chemical or physical means.
Analysis
Structure: de + nature
de- (latin origin, a prefix meaning "down from, off, away, completely," indicating reversal or removal); nature (latin origin via old french, from 'natura' meaning "birth, constitution, essential qualities," functioning as the base noun representing inherent or essential properties).
Examples
high temperatures can denature the proteins in an egg, causing it to solidify.
the laboratory ethanol was denatured with methanol to prevent its consumption.
certain harsh conditions in the cell can denature enzymes, rendering them inactive.