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
One of the oldest John Doe cases in America has been solved, with help from DNA evidence and forensic genetic genealogy, according to a team at FHD Forensics.
—
Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 19 June 2026
In bacteria, transcription factors are rather like keys that fit the locks of unique binding sites on DNA.
—Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 18 June 2026
And the lifestyle reissue of the Adrenaline GTS 10, also from earlier this year, reimagined a heritage silhouette with DNA Tuned foam.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 18 June 2026
David is not only accused of murdering his toddler but of beating him to death with a baseball bat to the point where the body is only able to be identified with DNA.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for DNA
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Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 19 June 2026
In bacteria, transcription factors are rather like keys that fit the locks of unique binding sites on DNA.
—Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 18 June 2026
And the lifestyle reissue of the Adrenaline GTS 10, also from earlier this year, reimagined a heritage silhouette with DNA Tuned foam.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 18 June 2026
David is not only accused of murdering his toddler but of beating him to death with a baseball bat to the point where the body is only able to be identified with DNA.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 18 June 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 20 Jun. 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
