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
Fortunately, today, researchers explained that recent advancements in paleogenomics have permitted this cross-examination between modern genomes and ancient DNA, Archaeology Mag reports.
—
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 Dec. 2025
These SAPs occur because of a variation in an individual's DNA code, specifically a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism, which changes one amino acid in the protein chain.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2025
Additionally, a rapid DNA test of the remains of Neves Valente shows a preliminary match to DNA recovered from the Brown crime scene, according to the FBI.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2025
As with the regular production model, the Cento exudes the yard’s elegant design DNA, with a sporty character, sleek, flowing lines, the classic mahogany deck, and gleaming steel accents.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2025
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Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 Dec. 2025
These SAPs occur because of a variation in an individual's DNA code, specifically a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism, which changes one amino acid in the protein chain.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2025
Additionally, a rapid DNA test of the remains of Neves Valente shows a preliminary match to DNA recovered from the Brown crime scene, according to the FBI.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2025
As with the regular production model, the Cento exudes the yard’s elegant design DNA, with a sporty character, sleek, flowing lines, the classic mahogany deck, and gleaming steel accents.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 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 21 Dec. 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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