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
Each time a cell divides, its DNA is copied, but mistakes inevitably creep in.
—
Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
It's embedded in Atlanta's cultural DNA, from Southern hip-hop to film, fashion, and Black American traditions.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Multiple attempts were made for a DNA comparison using semen found in Teresa’s underwear.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
Because ghost wolves have DNA from red wolves — a species once believed to be extinct and now existing only through captive breeding recovery programs — some researchers say preserving the hybrid coyote-wolf and its DNA could help bring back red wolves to their historic range.
—Ashley Soebroto, Houston Chronicle, 4 Apr. 2026
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Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
It's embedded in Atlanta's cultural DNA, from Southern hip-hop to film, fashion, and Black American traditions.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Multiple attempts were made for a DNA comparison using semen found in Teresa’s underwear.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
Because ghost wolves have DNA from red wolves — a species once believed to be extinct and now existing only through captive breeding recovery programs — some researchers say preserving the hybrid coyote-wolf and its DNA could help bring back red wolves to their historic range.
—Ashley Soebroto, Houston Chronicle, 4 Apr. 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 7 Apr. 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
