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 evidence that Song was the shooter comes from a green mask the assailant wore from which samples that tested positive for Song’s DNA were taken and from interviews with cooperating sources, FBI Special Agent Clark Wiethorn testified at the hearing.
—
Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
That dual identity—elegant dress watch with motorsport DNA—captures Ferrier’s unique perspective as both racer and artisan.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
There’s always been an underpinning of organic modernism and neo primitivism in their work that is a great pairing with the Loewe DNA.
—Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
Investigators obtained a search warrant for Brown's DNA.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025
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Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
That dual identity—elegant dress watch with motorsport DNA—captures Ferrier’s unique perspective as both racer and artisan.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
There’s always been an underpinning of organic modernism and neo primitivism in their work that is a great pairing with the Loewe DNA.
—Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
Investigators obtained a search warrant for Brown's DNA.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 3 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 9 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
see recombinant dnaLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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