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
Tenacity ran through Saweetie’s DNA even from her earliest years.
—
Kara Nesvig, Peoplemag, 2 July 2024
While that may persist, the rise of at-home DNA testing kits does make that first wave riskier for medical workers (as people can find out their genetic history more easily).
—Charlotte Lytton, TIME, 2 July 2024
Forensic scientists with the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife confirmed that one of them matched the DNA taken from the girl’s bite wounds, Foy said.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2024
Over time, damage to the DNA (genetic material) in skin cells accrues and can result in mutations (changes in the genes).
—Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for DNA 
Kara Nesvig, Peoplemag, 2 July 2024
While that may persist, the rise of at-home DNA testing kits does make that first wave riskier for medical workers (as people can find out their genetic history more easily).
—Charlotte Lytton, TIME, 2 July 2024
Forensic scientists with the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife confirmed that one of them matched the DNA taken from the girl’s bite wounds, Foy said.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2024
Over time, damage to the DNA (genetic material) in skin cells accrues and can result in mutations (changes in the genes).
—Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for DNA
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'DNA.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near DNA
Cite this Entry
“DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA. Accessed 7 Jul. 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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