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
After receiving information from this informant, authorities were able to test Gonzalez’s DNA against the Gatorade bottle and airbags in the car, when Gonzalez was arrested in an unrelated car theft investigation last April, according to court records.
—
Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
The remains have now been sent to the Strasbourg Institute of Forensic Medicine, which will undertake an autopsy and confirm the identity of the dead person using DNA from surviving family members.
—Jack Guy, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
The 33-year-old pregnant Lifetime star — who was released from prison in December 2023 after serving seven years for second-degree murder — took to instagram on Tuesday, November 5, to share the official results of the DNA test.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
With an emphasis on timeless designs and exceptional craftsmanship, inherent in the brand’s DNA, Raphael will play a pivotal role in shaping the expansion of this category.
—Angela Lei, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for DNA 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
The remains have now been sent to the Strasbourg Institute of Forensic Medicine, which will undertake an autopsy and confirm the identity of the dead person using DNA from surviving family members.
—Jack Guy, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
The 33-year-old pregnant Lifetime star — who was released from prison in December 2023 after serving seven years for second-degree murder — took to instagram on Tuesday, November 5, to share the official results of the DNA test.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
With an emphasis on timeless designs and exceptional craftsmanship, inherent in the brand’s DNA, Raphael will play a pivotal role in shaping the expansion of this category.
—Angela Lei, Forbes, 4 Nov. 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 16 Nov. 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