unaltered

Unaltered is an adjective meaning not changed or modified from its original or natural state. The term is used across disciplines to emphasize authenticity, integrity, and baseline comparison.

Etymology: from un- (not) + altered (changed), deriving from Latin alterare "to change."

In natural history and biology, specimens described as unaltered are those kept in or restored to their original condition, suitable for baseline studies or museum reference. This usage underscores the importance of having a standard for comparison and for understanding natural variation without introduced modifications.

In computing and information management, unaltered data or files refer to originals that have not been edited, re-encoded, or manipulated, preserving metadata and integrity for verification. The concept is central to data provenance, auditing, and reproducibility in research and governance.

In film, photography, and art conservation, unaltered or original condition indicates that the work has not been retouched or altered in appearance beyond standard stabilization or conservation measures. Proponents argue that maintaining an unaltered state supports authenticity and scholarly evaluation, while conservators balance this with the need to preserve the work.

In law and archival contexts, unaltered records or copies are valued for authenticity and evidentiary reliability, with unaltered copies serving as baselines in disputes over edit history or chain of custody. The term can be contrasted with altered or manipulated materials.

Limitations: The label unaltered can be subjective, and even preserved items may undergo reversible or necessary interventions to prevent deterioration or to enable access.

See also: authenticity, preservation, integrity.