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
Meanwhile, investigators hope DNA from a glove recovered about two miles from Nancy’s residence will lead them closer to a suspect.
—
Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
The department did not specify where the DNA was found.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Cure cancer, send DNA through a black hole, stable fusion?
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Its special nature lies in its unrivaled power, and the unusual combination of muscle car DNA, with 3 rows of seating, and its substantial amount of space, power, and utility.
—Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for DNA
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Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
The department did not specify where the DNA was found.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Cure cancer, send DNA through a black hole, stable fusion?
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Its special nature lies in its unrivaled power, and the unusual combination of muscle car DNA, with 3 rows of seating, and its substantial amount of space, power, and utility.
—Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 15 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 17 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
see recombinant dnaLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
