: 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

Illustration of DNA

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

Examples of DNA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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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

Word History

Etymology

deoxyribonucleic acid

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of DNA was in 1944

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

: 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

: 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 dna

More from Merriam-Webster on DNA

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