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 medication stops the replication of hepatitis B DNA in the body, halving the risk of liver cancer and other complications.
—
Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 1 Sep. 2025
The new species was identified by its DNA, glands, body size, coloring, body proportions and other subtle physical features, the study said.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
These are small, identifiable pieces of DNA that are already known to influence key traits like coat color, body structure, locomotion, and behavior.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2025
The Clyffe is positioned as a revolutionary hybrid, merging high-performance climbing footwear DNA with the effortless style of an everyday sneaker.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for DNA
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Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 1 Sep. 2025
The new species was identified by its DNA, glands, body size, coloring, body proportions and other subtle physical features, the study said.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
These are small, identifiable pieces of DNA that are already known to influence key traits like coat color, body structure, locomotion, and behavior.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2025
The Clyffe is positioned as a revolutionary hybrid, merging high-performance climbing footwear DNA with the effortless style of an everyday sneaker.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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