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
On May 29, a judge approved his attorneys’ request to conduct a DNA test on duct tape found attached to Laci’s body but refused testing on 16 other pieces of evidence.
—
Johnny Dodd, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024
In June, Travis County District Court found probable cause to issue a DNA search warrant to seize a DNA sample from Brewer for direct comparison to the evidence found during Wolfe's autopsy.
—CBS News, 17 Aug. 2024
The turning point came this year with DNA testing, police say.
—Jay Croft, CNN, 17 Aug. 2024
Aside from collecting footage, the team intends to obtain water samples to test for DNA of the mammals present in the region.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for DNA 
Johnny Dodd, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024
In June, Travis County District Court found probable cause to issue a DNA search warrant to seize a DNA sample from Brewer for direct comparison to the evidence found during Wolfe's autopsy.
—CBS News, 17 Aug. 2024
The turning point came this year with DNA testing, police say.
—Jay Croft, CNN, 17 Aug. 2024
Aside from collecting footage, the team intends to obtain water samples to test for DNA of the mammals present in the region.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 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