: 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

Illustration of DNA

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

Examples of DNA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 

Word History

Etymology

deoxyribonucleic acid

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of DNA was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near DNA

Cite this Entry

“DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

: 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

: 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 dna

More from Merriam-Webster on DNA

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