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
Excessive free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which damages cells and other materials in the body, such as DNA.
—
Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 1 May 2025
Available in two sizes, 39.5mm and 41mm, the watch introduces a number of refinements that focus on proportion, wearability, and technical improvements, while staying true to the DNA of the Superman line.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
His accordion style is found in the DNA of acts like Intocable and Grupo Frontera.
—Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Both Butt and Ali were linked to the killing through DNA evidence collected inside Hussain’s cab, officials said.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for DNA
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 1 May 2025
Available in two sizes, 39.5mm and 41mm, the watch introduces a number of refinements that focus on proportion, wearability, and technical improvements, while staying true to the DNA of the Superman line.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
His accordion style is found in the DNA of acts like Intocable and Grupo Frontera.
—Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Both Butt and Ali were linked to the killing through DNA evidence collected inside Hussain’s cab, officials said.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 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 6 May. 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
Share