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
The buzzy ingredient—traditionally derived from salmon DNA—has been popping up in skin-care formulas everywhere lately.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Mar. 2026
Basing their appeal on DNA evidence, Tommy Zeigler’s attorneys requested at a December hearing that Judge Leticia Marques overturn the death sentences imposed on him in 1976.
—Gail Hollenbeck, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
Its extensive menu ranges from advanced biohacking and LED therapy to DNA testing aimed at identifying hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and nutritional needs, as well as bespoke sleep programming.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
Researchers have demonstrated a new way to precisely place quantum light sources on chips using DNA origami, offering a potential path toward scalable quantum devices.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for DNA
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Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Mar. 2026
Basing their appeal on DNA evidence, Tommy Zeigler’s attorneys requested at a December hearing that Judge Leticia Marques overturn the death sentences imposed on him in 1976.
—Gail Hollenbeck, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
Its extensive menu ranges from advanced biohacking and LED therapy to DNA testing aimed at identifying hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and nutritional needs, as well as bespoke sleep programming.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
Researchers have demonstrated a new way to precisely place quantum light sources on chips using DNA origami, offering a potential path toward scalable quantum devices.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for DNA
Cite this Entry
“DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA. Accessed 29 Mar. 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
