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
Monmouth County Judge Marc Lemieux rejected their claims about the DNA tool, STRmix, but agreed with the defense on one point — that authorities improperly seized Paul’s home security system.
—
Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
The test analyzes circulating tumor DNA, examining how fragments break apart, a technique known as fragmentomics.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
DeBoer said dealing with the small potatoes on a day-to-day basis is part of what has ingrained their respective programs with their DNA.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 31 Dec. 2025
At the time, DNA collected during the original investigation didn't initially produce a match.
—Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
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Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
The test analyzes circulating tumor DNA, examining how fragments break apart, a technique known as fragmentomics.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
DeBoer said dealing with the small potatoes on a day-to-day basis is part of what has ingrained their respective programs with their DNA.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 31 Dec. 2025
At the time, DNA collected during the original investigation didn't initially produce a match.
—Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 31 Dec. 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 7 Jan. 2026.
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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