deuterate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Rare/Specialised)Formal, Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “deuterate” mean?
To combine or treat (a compound) with deuterium or heavy water, especially by replacing hydrogen atoms with deuterium atoms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To combine or treat (a compound) with deuterium or heavy water, especially by replacing hydrogen atoms with deuterium atoms.
In chemistry and related sciences, to introduce deuterium (²H, the heavy isotope of hydrogen) into a molecule, often as a method of isotopic labelling for analytical purposes such as NMR spectroscopy or reaction mechanism studies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation follow regional norms, but the term itself is international scientific vocabulary.
Connotations
No regional connotations; purely technical.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties outside of specialised scientific literature. Frequency is identical.
Grammar
How to Use “deuterate” in a Sentence
[Subject: Scientist/Process] deuterate [Object: Compound/Molecule] (with [Instrumental: D₂O/deuterium])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “deuterate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The researchers needed to deuterate the organic solvent before running the NMR experiment.
- It's common practice to deuterate the sample to simplify the spectral analysis.
American English
- The lab will deuterate the compound with D₂O to trace the reaction pathway.
- They deuterated the methyl group specifically to study its kinetic isotope effect.
adverb
British English
- The molecule was partially deuterated.
- The sample was not sufficiently deuterated for clear results.
American English
- The solvent was fully deuterated prior to the experiment.
- Specifically deuterated substrates are valuable tools.
adjective
British English
- The deuterated chloroform was used as the NMR solvent.
- They analysed the deuterated analogue of the molecule.
American English
- Deuterated methanol is commercially available for spectroscopic use.
- The properties of the deuterated compound were compared to the protiated form.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and materials science research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Describes a standard laboratory procedure in spectroscopy and mechanistic studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “deuterate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “deuterate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “deuterate”
- Confusing 'deuterate' (verb) with 'deuterated' (adjective). Incorrect: 'The compound is deuterate.' Correct: 'The compound is deuterated.' or 'They will deuterate the compound.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in chemistry and related physical sciences.
'Hydrate' means to combine with water (H₂O). 'Deuterate' specifically means to combine with or introduce deuterium (²H), often using heavy water (D₂O).
Virtually never. Its usage is confined to technical contexts describing isotopic labelling.
The noun form is 'deuteration', as in 'The deuteration of the substrate was confirmed by mass spectrometry.'
To combine or treat (a compound) with deuterium or heavy water, especially by replacing hydrogen atoms with deuterium atoms.
Deuterate is usually formal, technical, scientific in register.
Deuterate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdjuːtəreɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈduːtəreɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DEUTERium' + the verb ending '-ATE' (like 'hydrATE'). It means 'to add DEUTERium'.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; the term is a literal description of a chemical process.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of deuterating a compound?