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
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Rather than a bottle destined for the back of a cabinet, Toki Black is positioned as a must‑try for anyone curious about how Suntory can stretch the Toki profile into richer, smokier territory — without losing its easy‑drinking DNA.
—
Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Advertisement Sellers faced charges of assault and indecent exposure, however, his DNA has not been tested against the DNA in Lee’s case.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
With her new single, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter iLe reaffirms her deep understanding of the mystique contained within the bolero genre, a style rooted in the former Calle 13 member’s sonic DNA.
—Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2025
In July, authorities confirmed that blood found at the scene matched Travis' DNA, which police recovered from his items left at the scene.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
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Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Advertisement Sellers faced charges of assault and indecent exposure, however, his DNA has not been tested against the DNA in Lee’s case.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
With her new single, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter iLe reaffirms her deep understanding of the mystique contained within the bolero genre, a style rooted in the former Calle 13 member’s sonic DNA.
—Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2025
In July, authorities confirmed that blood found at the scene matched Travis' DNA, which police recovered from his items left at the scene.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 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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