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
Sandra also shared insights into the evolution of the Jimmy Choo woman—and was quick to point out how her own confidence and style have evolved while also staying true to the brand’s DNA.
—
Rose Carlisle, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025
In the official trailer for the latest installment in the film franchise, Jurassic World Rebirth, the swimming and soaring dinosaurs encounter unfamiliar faces with Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali show up hoping to extract DNA from the three largest predators on the island.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Feb. 2025
An airborne alien virus, designed to rewrite DNA, had been released over New York City in 1946 and spread globally, infecting tens of thousands worldwide.
—Jennifer Ouellette, WIRED, 25 Jan. 2025
The resilience Lucy Jones talks about and eloquently writes about — the DNA of community — was on display Jan. 8 at the Pasadena Convention Center, where evacuees summoned the strength to deal with loss and uncertainty while service organizations stepped up and volunteers pitched in.
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
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.
Rose Carlisle, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025
In the official trailer for the latest installment in the film franchise, Jurassic World Rebirth, the swimming and soaring dinosaurs encounter unfamiliar faces with Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali show up hoping to extract DNA from the three largest predators on the island.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Feb. 2025
An airborne alien virus, designed to rewrite DNA, had been released over New York City in 1946 and spread globally, infecting tens of thousands worldwide.
—Jennifer Ouellette, WIRED, 25 Jan. 2025
The resilience Lucy Jones talks about and eloquently writes about — the DNA of community — was on display Jan. 8 at the Pasadena Convention Center, where evacuees summoned the strength to deal with loss and uncertainty while service organizations stepped up and volunteers pitched in.
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
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 10 Feb. 2025.
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