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
It’s been built into the DNA of Angel.
—
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 June 2026
That energy is honestly still in the brand’s DNA.
—Max Berlinger, Vogue, 11 June 2026
The ship itself is a floating lab, with scientists identifying tiny organisms under microscopes, analyzing water chemistry and testing new research techniques such as environmental DNA.
—Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Also found were binoculars, a day hiker pack, a shoulder bag, a folding saw, a blanket, and winter gear, according to a statement from DNA Solves.
—Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 11 June 2026
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Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 June 2026
That energy is honestly still in the brand’s DNA.
—Max Berlinger, Vogue, 11 June 2026
The ship itself is a floating lab, with scientists identifying tiny organisms under microscopes, analyzing water chemistry and testing new research techniques such as environmental DNA.
—Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Also found were binoculars, a day hiker pack, a shoulder bag, a folding saw, a blanket, and winter gear, according to a statement from DNA Solves.
—Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 11 June 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 17 Jun. 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
