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 March 7, 2005, investigators told Tribune reporters that DNA was pulled from a cigarette butt found in the kitchen sink of the Lefkow home.
—
Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
While a love for animals clearly runs deep in the Irwin DNA, Bindi is committed to letting Grace find her own path.
—Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 28 Feb. 2026
Yes, there is Mustang DNA in this car.
—Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026
Fox News Digital previously reported that some DNA found in Nancy Guthrie's home came back to individuals with a reason to be there, two federal law enforcement sources said.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for DNA
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Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
While a love for animals clearly runs deep in the Irwin DNA, Bindi is committed to letting Grace find her own path.
—Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 28 Feb. 2026
Yes, there is Mustang DNA in this car.
—Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026
Fox News Digital previously reported that some DNA found in Nancy Guthrie's home came back to individuals with a reason to be there, two federal law enforcement sources said.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 28 Feb. 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 3 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
see recombinant dnaLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
