: 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 Derek’s parents died the year before, and in going through his mother’s things, Derek read her diary, learned of her brief affair with the billionaire, and confirmed his paternity with a DNA test. EW.com, 4 Mar. 2024 The affidavit for the warrant to obtain his DNA claimed it was found near the body, which was untrue, a lie that Radner says might have kept it from the trial. Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 3 Mar. 2024 No remains have yet been located, but Leydon’s DNA has been added to the New South Wales and national DNA registries, the coroner said. Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 2 Mar. 2024 The case then went cold but detectives continued working the case, obtaining DNA from family members and entering her in a national database of missing children. Frank Fernandez, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2024 The case was reopened in 2020 because of changes in DNA forensics, and investigators sent the fingerprint to an FBI liaison officer in Berlin for analysis on suspicion that the murderer was an American soldier. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2024 These include protein synthesis, blood pressure and blood glucose regulation, muscle and nerve function, and DNA and RNA synthesis. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2024 Using genetic genealogy, the task force matched the baby’s DNA to a family member, who provided a DNA sample that led investigators to Anderson, Hester said. Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2024 Even rarer among ancient finds are fossils that contain soft tissue, which has the potential to harbor crucial biological information like DNA. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'DNA.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near DNA

Cite this Entry

“DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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