Illustration of DNA
- A molecular model
- 1 hydrogen
- 2 oxygen
- 3 carbon in the helical phosphate ester chains
- 4 carbon and nitrogen in the cross-linked purine and pyrimidine bases
- 5 phosphorus
- B double helix
DNA
noun
: any of various nucleic acids that are usually the molecular basis of heredity, are constructed of a double helix held together by hydrogen bonds between purine and pyrimidine bases (see base entry 1 sense 6b) which project inward from two chains containing alternate links of deoxyribose and phosphate, and that in eukaryotes are localized chiefly in cell nuclei compare recombinant dna
Examples of DNA in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are a lot of environmental influences that damage human DNA, such as sunlight or smoking.
—
Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
The state attorney general's office concluded there was no credible evidence an attack ever occurred, and its investigation found no DNA, witness or other evidence to confirm Mangum's story.
—CBS News, 13 Dec. 2024
None of the players’ DNA was found on or inside the accuser’s body, and ultimately, Mangum’s account was debunked, with prosecutors ultimately declaring the players innocent.
—Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Or try the Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery Dog DNA Kit, $84.99 on Amazon, to learn more about your dog.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for DNA 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
The state attorney general's office concluded there was no credible evidence an attack ever occurred, and its investigation found no DNA, witness or other evidence to confirm Mangum's story.
—CBS News, 13 Dec. 2024
None of the players’ DNA was found on or inside the accuser’s body, and ultimately, Mangum’s account was debunked, with prosecutors ultimately declaring the players innocent.
—Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Or try the Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery Dog DNA Kit, $84.99 on Amazon, to learn more about your dog.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for DNA
Dictionary Entries Near DNA
Cite this Entry
“DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
DNA
noun
: any of various nucleic acids that are located especially in cell nuclei, are usually the chemical basis of heredity, and are composed of two nucleotide chains held together by hydrogen bonds in a pattern resembling a flexible twisted ladder compare rna
Medical Definition
DNA
noun
: any of various nucleic acids that are usually the molecular basis of heredity, are constructed of a double helix held together by hydrogen bonds between purine and pyrimidine bases which project inward from two chains containing alternate links of deoxyribose and phosphate, and that in eukaryotes are localized chiefly in cell nuclei
called also deoxyribonucleic acid
see recombinant dnaLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share