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
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The beloved Medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Collagen Jelly Gel Mask is a bestseller on Amazon for its ability to firm skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
—
Essence Wiley, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
The kits show their results on a simple strip that changes color when the DNA of a particular species appears in a sample.
—Eve Bohnett, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
The signature Haller charisma, though, is part of Rulfo's DNA.
—Pamela Avila, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Then, in September 2025, DNA Investigative Solutions was given access to the DNA profile.
—Veronica Fulton, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026
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Essence Wiley, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
The kits show their results on a simple strip that changes color when the DNA of a particular species appears in a sample.
—Eve Bohnett, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
The signature Haller charisma, though, is part of Rulfo's DNA.
—Pamela Avila, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Then, in September 2025, DNA Investigative Solutions was given access to the DNA profile.
—Veronica Fulton, NBC news, 6 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 11 Feb. 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
