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
Although both twins are suspected of conspiring to plot the double murder, the DNA on an assault rifle used in one of the later gun battles could only be from one of them.
—
Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 22 Feb. 2026
Authorities are still analyzing DNA found at the Guthrie residence.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 22 Feb. 2026
Genetic genealogy, which combines DNA evidence and traditional genealogy, helped match Unick’s DNA from a cigarette butt to DNA found on Sarah’s clothing, according to prosecutors.
—Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
The sheriff's department has also said that a DNA profile from a set of gloves found about 2 miles from Nancy Guthrie's house didn't match any entries in the national database maintained by the FBI known as the Combined DNA Index System, or CoDIS.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026
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Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 22 Feb. 2026
Authorities are still analyzing DNA found at the Guthrie residence.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 22 Feb. 2026
Genetic genealogy, which combines DNA evidence and traditional genealogy, helped match Unick’s DNA from a cigarette butt to DNA found on Sarah’s clothing, according to prosecutors.
—Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
The sheriff's department has also said that a DNA profile from a set of gloves found about 2 miles from Nancy Guthrie's house didn't match any entries in the national database maintained by the FBI known as the Combined DNA Index System, or CoDIS.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 21 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 23 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
