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 April 9, authorities took a sample of DNA from Charon when he was booked into the Bexar County jail on charges of felony criminal mischief.
—
Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
But, years later, a DNA test claimed Indigo was not a mix at all, but 100 percent Fila Brasileiro.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Genes are parts of DNA (the material that controls how cells function) that pass on traits from parents to children.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 17 Oct. 2025
Investigators obtained a search warrant for Brown's DNA, the report said.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
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Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
But, years later, a DNA test claimed Indigo was not a mix at all, but 100 percent Fila Brasileiro.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Genes are parts of DNA (the material that controls how cells function) that pass on traits from parents to children.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 17 Oct. 2025
Investigators obtained a search warrant for Brown's DNA, the report said.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for DNA
Cite this Entry
“DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA. Accessed 22 Oct. 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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