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
The first request, in early June, followed the second day of questioning of a defense expert witness about whether there was evidence of dog DNA on O'Keefe's sweatshirt — which had not been presented to the jury until that point.
—
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 18 June 2025
Genomics researchers have found segments of Denisovan DNA woven into the genomes of some modern humans, revealing just how close our two species once were.
—ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
Fairchild Studio: What makes Frederique Constant continue to stand apart in the watch market today?
J.C.: Frederique Constant stands apart thanks to its DNA of classic timepieces for men and ladies and its Manufacture capabilities.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
Ethan, Nicky and Adam's son, is arrested for the murder after his DNA is found at the scene.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for DNA
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Rachel Treisman, NPR, 18 June 2025
Genomics researchers have found segments of Denisovan DNA woven into the genomes of some modern humans, revealing just how close our two species once were.
—ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
Fairchild Studio: What makes Frederique Constant continue to stand apart in the watch market today?
J.C.: Frederique Constant stands apart thanks to its DNA of classic timepieces for men and ladies and its Manufacture capabilities.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
Ethan, Nicky and Adam's son, is arrested for the murder after his DNA is found at the scene.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 6 June 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 22 Jun. 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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